Dwarf lilac inspires as a symphony of flowers and fragrance in a small format suitable for the garden. To keep it that way, you should pick up the scissors after the flowering period. Read here when and how to skilfully blend dwarf lilac.
A professional pruning promotes the abundance of flowers
Trimming stimulates rebloom
The main flowering period for dwarf lilacs is from May to June. Of course, this year's flower festival doesn't end there. A little tutoring with the secateurs is enough to encourage the distinctive ornamental tree to bloom a second time. At the end of June/beginning of July, cut back withered flower panicles to the next clearly visible bud base.
Cut into shape after flowering
If the flowering period is coming to an end, the time window opens for a regulating shape cut on the dwarf lilac. Time is of the essence, because all lilacs bud in the same year for next year's flowering period. How to cut with expertise:
- First inspect the shrub for nesting birds to postpone pruning if necessary
- Cut off faded flowers in advance to prevent self-seeding
- Cut back overly long branches that are sticking out
- Choose an intersection at a short distance from a pair of leaves or a bud
The very leisurely growth rate of 5 to 15 centimeters per year does not require extensive pruning measures to ensure that your dwarf lilac is in top form. This has the advantage that you can limit yourself to this year's growth and consequently act in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Nature Conservation Act.
Thin out dwarf lilacs in late winter
Older or rarely cut dwarf lilacs benefit from a thinning cut. Old, aging branches are removed to make room for young wood. The type of cut is equally advantageous for a shrub and a standard crown. How to properly thin a dwarf lilac:
- The best time is from the end of January to the end of February
- Do not cut in frost, rain and blazing winter sun
- Cut back frozen and broken shoot tips into healthy wood
- Dwarf lilac bush: cut back dead branches to 10 cm short cones
- Standard dwarf lilac: Cut off 2 to 3 of the oldest, thickest crown branches to the astring
- Do not prune healthy shoots because they have numerous flower buds
Before each cut, please consider whether this could result in an unsightly gap in the bush or crown. This shortcoming can be circumvented by using the cutting technique of the derivative. Examine the branch in question to see whether it is still signaling the will to live through a side shoot positioned further down. Use scissors or a folding saw (€17.70) at the junction of young and old wood.
tips
The very similar names of dwarf lilac and summer lilac pose a high risk of confusion for home gardeners when it comes to cutting care. Summer lilacs (Buddleja davidii) are pruned vigorously in late winter to promote the growth of flowering wood. If you cut your dwarf lilac (Syringa meyeri) in the same way, you will destroy all the flower buds that all real lilac species have already created in the previous year.