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The lilac usually considered the most fragrant is a Chinese native—S. pubescens. It has small, white flowers tinged with purple. The fragrance is sweet and spicy, very different from the traditional “lilac” scent.
Which is the best lilac tree?
Here are some of the best lilac bushes to buy: Syringa microphylla ‘Superba’: Produces fragrant pinkish flowers in April and May then again in late summer and autumn. Syringa vulgaris ‘Mme Lemoine’: Considered one of the finest lilacs, although in this case the fragrant double flowers are white.
Do Japanese lilac trees smell good?
Lilac (genus: Syringa) is a deciduous shrub that’s most known for its pleasing fragrance and lilac colored flowers. And from pleasingly fragrant, to not at all fragrant, to downright unpleasant smelling (Japanese tree lilac).
Are lilac trees fragrant?
The lilac is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub with an irregular, rounded outline. In shades of lilac, light purple, or lavender, the clusters of four petal flowers bloom in April or May. They are extremely fragrant, While the lilac grows best in sunny sites, it will not tolerate hot, humid conditions.
Is there a difference between a lilac tree and a lilac bush?
Shrub lilacs and bush lilacs are short and compact. Tree lilacs can grow up to 25 feet (7.6 m.) high and have a tree-like appearance, but their many stems tend to get them classified as bushes. They are not technically trees, but they get big enough that you can treat them as if they are.
How do you keep a lilac tree small?
Regular pruning serves multiple purposes for lilac bushes and shrubs. Cutting back a lilac will, of course, help to keep it a certain size, but pruning done properly can also encourage more flower growth as well. Lilacs bloom more prolifically on younger branches that are on the thinner side.
Where is the best place to plant a lilac tree?
The ideal spot to plant lilacs is in an area with full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours per day)—give them too much shade and they may not bloom. Lilacs also like slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained soil.
What do lilac trees attract?
The heavily-scented purple flowers on the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) bloom in late May and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. The cut flowers are perfect to bring the scent of spring right into your home.
Can I plant lilac next to House?
Lilac roots aren’t considered invasive and as long as you leave enough space between the tree, or shrub, and the structure, there is little risk from planting lilacs near foundations. Lilac roots generally spread one and one-half times the width of the shrub.
Should I cut off dead lilac flowers?
Trimming off lilac flowers You don’t want to cut off next year’s flowers! To deadhead lilacs, simply snip the dead flower, leaving the stem and leaves in place. If you see next year’s growth, leave it be. Pruning off the spent spring blooms will encourage more new growth and more blooms for that second bloom time.
Are lilac trees poisonous to dogs?
Lilacs do not contain any chemicals that will poison animals or humans, nor do they irritate the skin. Even though lilac stems, leaves, and flowers pose no health threat to dogs, it is a good idea to keep your dog from chewing on the plant.
Are lilac trees fast growing?
Lilacs are fast-growing shrubs available in hundreds of varieties. All lilac bushes are fast-growing shrubs that add at least 6 to 8 inches of growth per year. Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) spreads by sending out suckers in all directions, causing some gardeners to consider it invasive.
How long do lilac trees live?
Many factors influence how long California lilacs will live. When these plants get proper pruning to remove older shoots, they can often survive for closer to 15 years. Without adequate pruning, California lilacs may live for around 10 years.
Are coffee grounds good for lilacs?
Grass clippings and coffee grounds can be used as a good source of nitrogen. Use sparingly, as too much nitrogen in the soil will result in poor blooms. Lilacs grow best in slightly alkaline (6.5 to 7.0 pH), moist, well-drained soil. Adding bone meal to the soil can make it more alkaline.
Do lilacs need a lot of water?
Lilacs respond best to deep, infrequent watering. Make sure that your planting area or container drains well. These plants do not like wet feet and will not bloom if over watered. Too much water can diminish the oxygen in the soil by filling in air pockets with water, which chokes the roots of the lilac.
What month do lilacs bloom?
Lilacs will grow in spots with less sun but they won’t bloom as well. Speaking of blooms, if you’ve done everything else right then you can expect to see plenty of flowers blooming in mid-Spring, although other varieties bloom at different times.
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.
Should I cover my lilac bush?
Lilacs withstand a chilly winter better than most plants. 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 the bush to help protect the buds form the cold.
Can I cut my lilac bush to the ground?
tall. The best time for pruning lilac bushes is right after their flowering has ceased. If you are pruning lilac trees or shrubs entirely to within inches of the ground, it is best to do so in early spring. New shoots will develop during the regular growing season as long as there are a few healthy shoots left.
What should I plant next to my lilac bush?
Additional Lilac Bush Companions Mock orange. Flowering crabapples. Dogwoods. Flowering cherries. Magnolias.
Do lilacs spread?
Lilac bushes will typically flower without any effort from you. However, if left to grow and spread on their own, common lilacs will eventually only flower on the tops of the uppermost branches.
Can lilac trees be grown in pots?
Lilacs can be grown as a shrub or small tree, so work well in many garden situations, both in pots and in the ground.
