Like its big sisters, dwarf lilac grows like a shrub and develops many root suckers. However, the shrubs, which grow to a maximum height of 150 centimetres, can also be cultivated from a standard tree without any problems. You have the choice between ungrafted and refined varieties.
The Syringa meyeri Palabin is very similar to the common lilac
Which dwarf lilacs are there?
There are two different types of dwarf lilacs available commercially. Syringa meyeri is most similar to the real lilac, Syringa vulgaris, and also flowers at the same time. Popular cultivars include 'Palibin' (light purple flowers), 'Red Pixie' (pink flowers) and 'Josee' (purple pink flowers). Syringa microphylla 'Superba', on the other hand, bears its German name, 'small-leaved autumn lilac', not without reason: This variety has the longest flowering period of all lilacs and often shows its splendor a second time from the summer months.
Multiple uses
A clear stem is a shrub that has been raised to become a tree and has only one main shoot and a sprawling crown instead of many shoots. Such a lilac tree has an unbeatable advantage over conventional shrubs: It requires significantly less space and can therefore be cultivated very well in tubs. You can also plant the hardy tree in the garden, for example
- as an eye-catcher in the front yard
- several trunks flanking the main path
- as a solitaire, for example in the middle of a lawn
- as the focal point in the perennial garden
Properly plant and care for high standard dwarf lilacs
When planting and caring for the tall stem, proceed in the same way as with a normal lilac bush, the needs are the same. You only have to be more careful with specimens cultivated in tubs, they have to be supplied with water and nutrients regularly and also repotted into a larger container every two years. In addition, a standard tree needs significantly more pruning care so that it stays in shape and does not suddenly turn into a shrub again. Root suckers need to be removed regularly, digging them up and cutting them right at the base - otherwise there will be more and more. The crown must also be thinned out annually and trimmed into shape.
tips
If you don't want to buy a ready-made dwarf lilac trunk, you can, for example, raise a cutting to a standard yourself. If you want to go faster, a dwarf lilac shoot can also be grafted onto a suitable substrate - for example Syringa vulgaris.