How to Care for a Lilac Bush in the Winter
- Clip off any remaining spent flowers as the plant prepares to go dormant for winter.
- Feed lilac bushes with lime fertilizer during the winter to provide it with the nutrients it needs to thrive; lilac bushes prefer a slightly alkaline soil.
- Prune back one-third of the oldest branches as far as you can in winter. ...
What do you feed lilacs?
You have to feed lilacs after they bloom in spring. Make sure to give them good quality plant food and follow the directions given on the label. Organic plant food usually consists of bone meal, feather meal, earthworm castings, and kelp. These ingredients feed microbes present in the soil that then furnish nutrients to your lilacs.
How do you take care of lilacs in winter?
To help flower production, lilacs need cold winters to help set next season’s blooms. During the cold season, while the shrub is dormant, not much maintenance is needed. The main concern for lilacs during the winter is dehydration caused by frozen ground and dry winter winds. Well draining soil helps to prevent frozen water from damaging the roots.
How to plant Lilacs in soil?
Place topsoil around the roots and water, then fill the hole with more topsoil. Space lilac plants 5 to 15 feet (1.5 to 4.6 m) apart in slightly alkaline soil. Make sure you leave enough space between the plants so they don’t get too crowded. If you have a very acidic soil, add limestone to increase the alkalinity.
Is lilac a low maintenance plant?
If you value low-maintenance gardening then the lilac bush (Syringa vulgaris) is the perfect plant for you. A deciduous shrub, the lilac thrives in almost any type of soil, it isn't bothered by insects and doesn't require a lot of fertilizer.
How do you take care of lilacs in the winter?
Lilacs Winter Care Tips Give your lilac a good watering to ensure the shrub is hydrated before winter starts. Use 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch around the base of your lilac to prevent winter heave, the exposure of roots due to the ground freezing and thawing. Deadhead and prune the plant in late spring.
What is the best fertilizer for lilacs?
Best Fertilizer For Lilacs Lilac plants do not need a lot of fertilizer or feeding. We recommend a 10-10-10 fertilizer mix applied annually in the early spring. (The numbers 10-10-10 represent the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – or as they are commonly known, NPK – in the formula).
Can you use Miracle Grow on lilac bushes?
Choose lilacs that will grow well in the space you have available. Prepare the soil by adding Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs. Plant lilacs in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Feed lilacs in spring with Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Flowering Trees & Shrubs Plant Food.
Are coffee grounds good for lilacs?
Grass clippings and coffee grounds are a good source of nitrogen, but use them sparingly in compost. Banana peels offer potassium to the soil.
Should you feed lilacs?
Fertilizing lilacs isn't strictly necessary except after the first and second years of planting. They may be fertilized at planting with a superphosphate and limestone to sweeten the soil and avoid excess acidity.
How do I get more flowers on my lilac bush?
Here are some tips to make sure yours bloom:Usually, insufficient sunlight is the problem. A minimum of six hours of sun is needed each day.Too much nitrogen can be a problem. Often lilacs are planted in the lawn and fertilizers used to green up lawns are high in nitrogen. ... Make sure you prune at the right time.
How do you rejuvenate a lilac bush?
One way to renew a large, overgrown lilac is to cut the entire plant back to within 6 to 8 inches of the ground in late winter (March or early April). This severe pruning will induce a large number of shoots to develop during the growing season.
Is Epsom salt good for lilac bushes?
A dose of Epsom salts can help lilac bush to flower.
How do you keep lilacs healthy?
Lilacs should be pruned yearly to develop a good framework of stems and promote vigorous growth that enhances flowering. Yearly pruning consists of cutting diseased, misshapen, and unproductive stems to the ground. I also thin and remove some stems to encourage properly spaced, vigorous growth.
Are lilacs acid loving?
Lilacs prefer soil that is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. The bushes may suffer if the pH is either too high or too low, as the nutrients they need to thrive may not be readily available from the soil.
Should you mulch around lilacs?
A mulch of wood chips or bark 3” thick will protect the plants in the winter and retain soil moisture in the summer. Mulch retards the growth or weeds and grass but still allows the lilac plant to sprout.
How do you fertilize lilac trees?
But remember, only feed your lilac after the first or second year of planting. After that, if the soil is full of organic matter, you need not use commercial feeds. Still, if the ground needs fertilizing, a 5-10-10 ratio is perfect. Then, you can spread a cup of the food evenly around the roots and water it well.
When should you fertilize lilacs?
For the best shrub care, fertilize with a well-balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer once in early spring before new growth appears.
Is Epsom salt good for lilac bushes?
A dose of Epsom salts can help lilac bush to flower.
How do you keep lilacs healthy?
Lilacs should be pruned yearly to develop a good framework of stems and promote vigorous growth that enhances flowering. Yearly pruning consists of cutting diseased, misshapen, and unproductive stems to the ground. I also thin and remove some stems to encourage properly spaced, vigorous growth.
How do you rejuvenate an old lilac bush?
One way to renew a large, overgrown lilac is to cut the entire plant back to within 6 to 8 inches of the ground in late winter (March or early April). This severe pruning will induce a large number of shoots to develop during the growing season.
Protecting Lilacs In Winter
Think about winter weather as you decide where to plant your lilac shrub. This plant needs at least 8 hours of sunshine and alkaline to neutral soil to be healthy. Avoid planting them against a light colored building or wall. The reflection can cause winter burn.
Cutting Back Lilacs For Winter
Regular pruning of lilacs helps to produce more blooms in the spring. Good pruning practices also help the plants handle a hard winter beautifully. Wait until the plant has finished it’s spring blooming before you cut off the dead flowers. Cut out any damaged or diseased stems.
Lilac Winter Care in Pots
Syringa vulgaris, the common lilac, is a hardy shrub that can withstand cold winter temperatures. Winter damage can occur if the roots are left above ground without protection. If your lilac is growing in a container, it is best that you do not bring the plant inside for the winter. Lilacs need the cold to set buds for the next spring’s flowers.
Watering Lilacs in Winter
Before the cold weather season sets in, give your shrub a good watering (2 to 3 gallons) before the ground freezes. You will want the lilac well hydrated before winter starts. Lilacs can withstand cold weather better than most plants. They need very little care during this time. They will benefit from an occasional watering from time to time.
Growing Lilacs Indoors
The common lilac will not thrive if brought inside for the winter. The shrub needs the cold temperatures to help set the buds for next spring’s flowers. If your winters are harsh, protect your lilac from the winter cold either by burying it in the ground, heavily mulching around the pot, or storing your container shrub in a cold garage or shed.
Lilacs Winter Care Tips
Give your lilac a good watering to ensure the shrub is hydrated before winter starts.
How to protect lilacs from freezing?
Watering around the root zone actually keeps the soil warmer than dry soil, offering lilac winter protection. In rare cases, you may need to cover the plant to protect the buds. This occurs in late winter to early spring when buds are beginning to break and a harsh freeze comes along. Use a blanket, canvas, or even plastic tent over ...
Why do lilacs need well draining soil?
They need well-draining soil to prevent frozen water from damaging their roots and killing the tree. Lilacs that have not been grafted are hardier than those that have been grafted to rootstock. Lilac winter care starts with good siting and a healthy plant.
When do lilacs bloom?
They develop buds in the fall which overwinter and burst into color and scent in spring. Winter freezes can damage some tender varieties but the majority of lilac cultivars are hardy to United States Department of Agriculture zones 4 or even 3.
Do lilacs need cold?
Lilacs are one of the most winter hardy ornamental plants around. Do lilacs need cold protection? They can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 C) but may need some protection from icy winds that damage the flower buds. They need well-draining soil to prevent frozen water from damaging their roots and killing the tree. Lilacs that have not been grafted are hardier than those that have been grafted to rootstock.
Can you winterize lilacs?
Prune off the spent flower heads to help promote bud formation. Winterizing lilac shrubs is not the intensive process it is for sensitive plants.
Can lilacs bloom in winter?
Winterizing Lilac Shrubs: Tips For Lilac Care In Winter. Lilacs are superior performers when it comes to blooming. They develop buds in the fall which overwinter and burst into color and scent in spring. Winter freezes can damage some tender varieties but the majority of lilac cultivars are hardy to United States Department ...
How do I keep a lilac bush healthy?
As with other flowering plants, the best way to keep your lilac bush healthy and productive is to prune right after flowering so that you know exactly where next year's flowers will sprout.
What is a lilac shrub?
Things You'll Need. Lilacs require relatively little maintenance. Lilac (Syringa) is a diverse group of flowering shrubs in the olive family of plants. The hundreds of varieties of lilac offer a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors -- from pure white to deep purple.
How do I trim a lilac bush?
Trim the entire plant to within six to eight inches of the ground, using garden shears or a small saw.
Do lilacs need cold winters?
To produce flowers, however, lilacs need cold winters and a small amount of maintenance while the shrub is dormant. Advertisement.
What is the best food for lilacs?
Organic plant food usually consists of bone meal, feather meal , earthworm castings, and kelp. These ingredients feed microbes present in the soil that then furnish nutrients to your lilacs. Lilac shrubs usually do not require much organic feeding or fertilizers.
What nutrients do lilacs need to bloom?
This ratio is generally referred to as NPK in fertilizers. Every plant needs nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous to grow. If they do not receive these nutrients in an adequate amount, they fail to bloom. These nutrients are necessary for lilacs to have optimum health.
What is the purpose of phosphorus in lilacs?
Phosphorous helps your lilacs to store and use energy, including in its photosynthesis process. It is responsible for the healthy growth of roots. It also enhances your lilac’s fruit and flower production. Phosphorous is an essential nutrient that helps your lilacs to grow and develop.
What is the NPK of lilacs?
NPK refers to the composition of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium levels in the fertilizer. They provide the necessary nutrients for the healthy growth of your lilacs. Make sure that your fertilizer has a well balanced NPK ratio. Otherwise, it leads to heavy blooms and excessive foliage.
How long do lilacs live?
The lifespan of a lilac bush is more than 100 years. Some lilacs even have a life expectancy of about 350 years or more! They have a long life mostly because they are very hardy and can grow with very low-maintenance.
Why are my lilac leaves curling up?
Lilac leaves can curl up for quite a few different reasons. Leaves curling up along with crispy edges are usually a sign of dehydration. It is a sign that the lilac bushes are not receiving enough sunshine and water.
How much sunlight does a lilac need?
They also require full sunlight for a minimum of six hours for strong flowering. Lilacs love humus-rich, fertile, neutral to alkaline soil with a pH nearing 7.0 When nurtured well, it can grow up to 2.5 m (8 feet). Some varieties also grow up to 9 m (30 feet). Healthy nutrition and proper care can ensure that your lovely lilacs live for decades. ...
How to Take Care of Your Lilacs?
- Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to plant lilac bushes. You have to plant bushes at 5 to 15 feet distance from one another, depending on their varieties. They also require full sunlight for a minimum of six hours for strong flowering. Lilacs love humus-rich, fertile, neutral to alkaline soil with a pH nearing 7.0 When nurtured well, it can gr...
5 Best Fertilizers For Your Lilac Bushes
- You now know all about how to care for your precious lilacs. Let’s move on to the products that can aid you with this process. We have curated a list of the top 5 fertilizersfor lilacs. Read on to pick your best fertilizers for lilacs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- You now know the general care tips for growing lilacs as well as the best fertilizers for lilacs. Are you still a little confused about growing lilacs? We bring you the answers to some of the most common questions asked about lilacs. It will help you to tend to your beautiful lilacs in the right way.
Final Thoughts
- Lilacs are truly gorgeous! They will never fail to add a significant charm to your garden or backyards. These lovely plants are very hardy and low-maintenance. They, however, require good care and essential nutrients to bloom well. With our general lilac care tips, you are all set to grow your very own lilacs! Make sure to properly fertilize them by choosing the best fertilizer for lilacs …