Lilac (Syringa) with its numerous species and varieties is one of the most popular ornamental trees in the garden. It is considered to be extremely easy to care for and impresses with a magnificent, intensely fragrant bloom every year. The beauty of the shrub or small tree comes into its own when cultivated as a bonsai.
Lilac is suitable for growing bonsai
Which lilac is suitable as a bonsai?
In principle, you can train practically any lilac to be a bonsai, but some types and varieties are very fast-growing and reach heights of between three and four meters. It is more practical to resort to lower lilacs, for example
- Dwarf lilac Syringa meyeri 'Palibin'
- Korean dwarf lilac Syringa patula 'Miss Kim'
- Royal lilac Syringa chinensis 'Saugeana'
These varieties only grow up to about two meters in height and are easier to prune.
Caring for lilac bonsai properly
In order for your lilac bonsai to thrive and bloom beautifully, it needs the right nutrients, a suitable planter and should also be repotted every two years. Furthermore, lilac does not belong in the apartment, but outside - the plant tolerates wind very well and feels most comfortable in an airy, sunny spot.
location and substrate
Lilacs need a lot of sun. It is best to place it in full sun, warm and airy, but without the risk of drowning in the rain. If the little plant does not get enough light, it forms only a few flowers or even no flowers at all. The substrate should be well drained, moderately nutritious and calcareous.
watering and fertilizing
Lilacs do not like wet conditions at all, but you should still fertilize them regularly. Do not let the bonsai dry out, so as not to damage the fine roots. Fertilize about every two weeks with a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer, although you should never fertilize the dry root ball. It is better to administer the fertilizer together with the irrigation water.
cutting and wiring
Lilacs are best pruned after flowering. You can remove faded shoots immediately. Cut new shoots back to one or two leaves. Young shoots can be brought into shape with wire until around mid-July, while older twigs and branches are too inelastic and break quickly.
repot
Repot the lilacs in fresh substrate every two years, and you should also cut the roots at the same time.
hibernate
The hardy lilac can easily overwinter outside.
tips
It becomes particularly interesting if you cut down an old lilac and make a bonsai out of it.