Lilac
Syringa species (OLEACEAE)
Planting and Growing Lilac
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow lilac in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, seed capsules and, seeds of lilac
- Growing conditions for lilac
- When and where to plant lilac
- How to plant lilac
- How to shape, prune and control growth of lilac
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of lilac
- Landscape uses of lilac
- Pest and disease control for lilac
Growing Lilac
Over 30 species of fast-growing, spreading, dense, deciduous shrubs, 5–20 ft. (1.5–6 m) tall, with shiny, deep green, smooth, oval, pointed leaves, to 5 in. (13 cm) long.
Lilac Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Fragrant, tiny, lavender, pink, purple, white flowers, in spring, forming large, showy clusters, 3-1/2–10-in. (90–250-mm) long, with leathery seed-filled capsules in summer. First blooms 2–3 years after planting. Requires at least 500 hours of winter chilling to bloom reliably.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 3–9. Hardy.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Rich. 7.0–7.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun to partial shade. Space 5–10 ft. (1.5–3 m) apart.
Proper Care
Moderate. Keep evenly moist. Fertilize quarterly spring–autumn. Deadhead. Prune sparingly after bloom. Propagate by cuttings, layering.
About This Species
Good choice for borders in cottage, woodland gardens. Good for cutting. Attracts butterflies. Transplants readily. Invasive. Deer and pest resistant. Powdery mildew susceptible.