The intensely fragrant, white or violet panicles of flowers, profusely emerging from a shrub or tree, are a must for spring. Lilac blossoms are a wonderful sight and delight the viewer every year - but only if attention was paid to suitable soil and a sunny location when planting. In this article we will tell you how to plant the lilacs correctly and what you should pay attention to.

Lilacs like it sunny

Which location does lilac prefer?

The ideal location for lilacs is sunny - the more sun the plant gets, the more profusely it blooms and the denser its crown grows. The shrub needs at least six hours of full sun a day to thrive. In principle, you can also plant it in a more shady place, but then it will not be as dense and will develop fewer flowers. In addition, the location should be airy, unlike many other shrubs, lilacs tolerate wind very well and can therefore be planted as a windbreak.

What should the optimal soil for lilacs be like?

Although the lilac does well on almost all soils, as long as they are not too heavy and wet, they still prefer well-drained, calcareous and nutrient-rich soils. A pH value between five and seven is ideal, although you can use lime to improve soil that is too acidic. Nutrient-poor soil, on the other hand, should be upgraded with compost, topsoil and/or horn shavings (€32.93).

When is the best time to plant lilacs?

Plant container goods either in autumn - if possible in the months between September and November - or alternatively in spring. However, autumn plantings will already bloom the following spring because they have had enough time to take root. On the other hand, you should only plant bare-root lilacs during the period of dormancy.

How far apart should lilacs be planted?

Lilacs are typically shallow-rooted, with a network of roots spreading out in a wide radius around the trunk. The root disk usually has the same or even a slightly larger diameter than the crown. Since many lilac varieties can grow up to seven meters tall (and several meters wide), a distance of between 1.5 and five meters is recommended, depending on the species and variety selected. This planting distance applies not only to other trees, but also to house walls, etc. - lilac roots are very strong and can damage buildings.

How to plant lilacs in the garden - step by step?

When planting the lilacs, it is best to proceed as follows:

  • Find a suitable spot in the garden.
  • Dig a sufficiently large planting hole there.
  • This should be at least twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
  • Place the root ball in a bucket filled with water.
  • The roots should soak up plenty of water.
  • Alternatively, you can also fill the planting hole with water and wait until it has seeped away.
  • Mix the excavation with compost and horn shavings.
  • Put the lilacs in the ground, fill in the mixed excavation.
  • Tread the earth firmly.
  • Water the newly planted lilac vigorously.

Watering makes it easier for the plant to grow in the soil, too little water in this phase quickly leads to signs of drying out, such as yellowing leaves.

Can you also cultivate a lilac tree in a pot?

There is no general answer to this question. Most lilac species and varieties are not suitable for pot culture, as they can become very tall and wide with age. However, there are dwarf varieties that only grow up to about two (and less) meters high and can be kept in sufficiently large pots. However, every lilac feels most comfortable in the garden.

How do you move an old lilac tree?

Transplanting an old lilac is problematic and often a cause of failure: true to the old adage that "you can't move an old tree," these specimens often die afterwards. On the other hand, you will have more success with younger lilacs that have been in the same location for a maximum of five years. Pay attention to the following information:

  • Transplant only in spring
  • Prune lilacs vigorously before transplanting
  • Dig up roots as extensively as possible
  • then water it vigorously

When does lilac bloom?

Lilacs bloom in the merry month of May.

How to propagate lilacs yourself?

Lilacs are easy to propagate from cuttings or sticks. Propagation via seeds that mature in capsule fruits is also possible.

Which plants are lilacs best to socialize with?

Good neighbors for the lilac are other flowering shrubs, either with a similar flowering period (Kolkwitzia, fragrant jasmine, weigela, crabapple) or a later flowering period (hibiscus, hydrangea, roses). However, the tree disc of the lilac should always remain free, the flat-rooted plant does not tolerate underplanting so well.

tips

If an old lilac has died due to disease or the like, you will need to find another location for a new shrub or tree - lilacs are incompatible with themselves, so planting them in the same location can result in infection with wilt bacteria .

Category:

Trees