If you want to enjoy the long-lasting blossoms of the summer lilac on the balcony, you don't have to do without it - and the inevitable visit of numerous butterflies. There are a number of suitable species that can be easily cared for in the tub.
Some types of lilac also thrive in pots
Suitable varieties for container keeping
However, you should not necessarily resort to the garden varieties for the bucket. Depending on the type and variety, classic summer lilac grows up to 300 centimeters high and 200 centimeters wide. Since the roots of the shrub are very deep, you not only need a lot of space on the balcony for such a specimen - you also need a very deep planter. However, there are some varieties that only grow up to 150 centimeters high and are therefore not too big. Wonderfully suitable for keeping a bucket are, for example:
- Buddleja davidii 'Purple Emperor': compact growth, purple flowers
- Buddleja davidii 'Buzz ® Violet': up to 120 centimeters high, light violet flowers, slightly overhanging shoots
- Buddleja davidii 'Summer Lounge': flowers in white, pink or violet, only up to 60 centimeters high
Look for labels such as "dwarf summer lilac" when you search the Internet or in a garden store.
planting and care
Although summer lilacs are generally considered undemanding and uncomplicated to care for, they still need certain conditions for their well-being and lush flowering. Above all, this requires a sunny, warm location - the shrub will wither if it is too dark.
bucket and substrate
First of all, you need a sufficiently large plant pot: This should have a diameter of at least 40 centimeters and be just as deep. If possible, do not choose plastic containers, but clay or ceramic ones - plastic heats up very quickly in the summer sun. In addition, there must be a water outlet at the bottom of the pot. First fill in a few centimeters of expanded clay (€19.73) as a drainage layer, followed by a mixture of commercially available potting soil with expanded clay or gravel. Pure potting soil is too rich for summer lilac and is therefore not suitable.
Properly care for summer lilacs in the bucket
Water the summer lilac regularly, but moderately - it tolerates drought better than too much moisture. Every two weeks, mix a liquid container plant fertilizer into the irrigation water. Choose a product specifically for flowering plants, as they contain less nitrogen and more phosphorus. Fading should be removed regularly. In winter, pack the pot frost-proof, the shoots themselves do not need winter protection.
tips
In early spring, after the last late frosts, you should cut back the summer lilac heavily. Buddleja davidii only flowers on the young shoots.