Normally, Syringa vulgaris, the botanical name of the common lilac, grows as a shrub - often with significantly more than just one stem, as new shoots keep growing from the roots. In many cases, however, lilacs appear more tree-like with age, have several gnarled trunks and a spreading crown. You can also grow the shrub, which can grow up to six meters high, as a tree with just one trunk right from the start - a particularly distinctive eye-catcher in the middle of a lawn, for example.
Lilacs are easy to grow into trees
Uses for lilacs as a tree
The high stem is a special form of training for lilacs and other shrubs, in which only one main shoot with a spreading crown is grown - all other shoots growing out of the base should be cut continuously. In contrast to lilacs that grow as a bush - which, depending on age and variety, can not only be tall but also very wide - this form of training saves a lot of space, but also requires a lot of attention and work. A standard lilac can be used in many different ways:
- as a container plant
- in small gardens
- as an eye-catcher in the front yard
- as a solitaire, for example in the middle of a lawn
- as the center of a group planting
How to plant and care for a standard lilac tree
Basically, the needs of the standard lilac do not differ from those of a shrub-like specimen. Location, soil, water and nutrient requirements remain the same, only the standard tree requires significantly more attention. Since lilacs keep sprouting from the base, the root shoots need to be removed regularly - otherwise you'll have a shrub again in no time.
Plant and trim the high stem into shape
A standard lilac tree is available in specialist shops for quite a lot of money. It will be cheaper if you use one yourself. Since lilac is fast-growing and can grow up to 150 centimeters per year under the right conditions, it will not remain small for too long. Planting and pruning is done in early autumn.
- Dig a sufficiently large planting hole, about twice the size of the root ball.
- Fill it completely with water and wait for it to drain.
- Mix the excavation with compost and horn shavings.(32.93€)
- Plant the lilacs in and gently tamp down the soil.
- It shouldn't be any lower than it was in the pot.
- Pour it vigorously.
- Select the strongest main shoot.
- Cut away any other shoots coming out of the base.
- Shorten this in half.
- Leave at least one side shoot with at least one eye.
- Fix the main shoot with a plant stake.
Now you can overwinter the high stem for the time being. After the shoots have budded in spring, cut back all new shoots except for one eye or side shoot - this way the lilac can develop a handsome crown.
tips
In contrast to a lilac bush, a lilac grown as a standard needs regular pruning. If this does not happen, it quickly loses its shape - and on top of that it develops numerous root shoots.