Even if lilacs - botanically Syringa vulgaris - can be found in many gardens and are sometimes very old, it is still not a native plant. In fact, the popular flowering shrub was introduced to our latitudes from south-eastern Europe as early as the 16th century and was quickly able to establish itself here due to its robustness. In fact, lilacs are reasonably hardy and don't need special protection as long as they're not in a pot.
Older lilacs are hardy
Hibernate lilacs properly - Here's how
If it is a lilac planted in the garden, it is usually sufficiently hardy and only needs winter protection in two cases:
- This is a young, freshly planted specimen.
- The lilac is cultivated in a planter.
Young lilac bushes first have to build up their winter hardiness and can still be a bit sensitive, especially in the first two to three years. However, you can protect them with a thick layer of mulch on the root disk, although avoid using bark mulch if possible. This material keeps the water in the ground, which the lilac doesn't like either. Spruce or fir branches spread out on the ground, however, are very suitable. For lilacs cultivated in pots, you should wrap the planters in a warm fleece and place the pot on an insulating base (e.g. made of wood or polystyrene).
Beware of late frosts: protective fleece often makes sense
In some regions of Germany, late night frosts can still occur in May. Above all, these threaten the flowering and the budding of the lilac, because both can freeze back due to the sudden cold in connection with otherwise warm weather. Therefore, if there is a threat of frost, you should protect the above-ground parts of the lilac with a fleece or similar, provided the shrub is not too big.
Carry out radical pruning in winter
A radical pruning of the lilac is actually only necessary if an old shrub is already heavily bare and is to be rejuvenated in this way. If possible, carry out this cut in late winter, during the vegetation break, and choose a frost-free and dry day for it.
tips
New lilacs are often more robust in terms of frost sensitivity than the old lilac varieties. They are bred specifically for hardiness and disease resistance.