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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.
Can you plant a lilac bush next to a house?
Root System on Lilac 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. A distance of 12 feet (4 m.)Oct 17, 2020.
Do lilac bushes grow fast?
Lilac Bushes Are Fast-Growing All lilac bushes are generally considered to be fast-growing shrubs. If you’re hoping that your lilac bush will grow a lot each year, then you likely won’t be disappointed. A lilac bush will typically grow between six and eight inches in a year.
When should lilacs be planted?
The best time to plant lilacs is in the fall after the leaves have dropped, but before the ground freezes. You can plant lilacs in the spring before the buds start to unfold. Spring periods are very short, however, and transplanting at this time is recommended only in areas where winters are very severe.
What should I plant next to my lilac bush?
You’ll find many attractive spring bulbs to fill up the area near your lilac bush as lilac companion plants. Bulb plants like daffodils, tulips, grape hyacinth and peonies multiply and naturalize. Plant enough of them and you’ll never weed in the area again.
How much space does a lilac bush need?
Here’s the first rule of planting: lilacs need lots of space to grow. If you’re planting a hedge, they’ll need a spot at least seven to eight feet wide and ten feet wide for a shrub. They also need at least six hours of sun a day to have excellent flowering. Provide a well-drained, alkaline soil.
Do lilacs attract bees?
With brilliant purple and bluish petals, lilacs attract numerous bees, especially since the flowers grow in dense clusters. As a result, bees can stay on the blossoms for even more nectar nourishment without having to fly constantly to other plants.
Do lilacs multiply?
Propagating lilac bushes from cuttings is tricky, but definitely not impossible. Take cuttings of lilac bushes from tender new growth in late spring or early summer. Mature growth is less likely to root. Take several cuttings to increase your chance of success.
How close together can you plant lilacs?
Space medium-sized lilacs that are 6 to 8 feet tall at maturity 2 to 4 feet apart. For larger lilacs, which will be taller than 8 feet at maturity, plant about 4 to 6 feet apart. Once the plants mature, larger lilac plants can spread to 10-12 feet wide.
What is the lifespan of a lilac bush?
How long do lilac bushes live? They’re super-hardy and may live 75 years or more! Just look at old, abandoned farmhouses where the lilacs still bloom vigorously.
Do lilacs spread?
Most flowering shrubs need regular pruning to keep them vibrant, and the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is no exception. However, if left to grow and spread on their own, common lilacs will eventually only flower on the tops of the uppermost branches.
Are lilacs hard to grow?
Lilacs are hardy, easy to grow, and low maintenance. They can grow from 5 to 15 feet tall, depending on the variety. The fragrant flowers are good for cutting and attractive to butterflies.
Are coffee grounds good for lilacs?
Fertilizing lilacs with a high phosphorus formula in early spring promotes blooming. 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.
Can you plant lilac next to a fence?
Space medium-sized lilacs that are 6 to 8 feet tall at maturity 2 to 4 feet apart. Place larger lilacs, more than 8 feet tall at maturity, about 4 to 6 feet apart. If you’re planting an evergreen California lilac hedge and flowering is not important, you can space the lilacs more closely together.
At what age do lilacs bloom?
Age: Lilac plants need time to grow before they begin flowering. So, if you have a very young plant, it may not be mature enough to bloom. Most plants start blooming after three or four years but some may take as long as six or seven. The blooms for the first few years will be sparse but should increase with time.
How do I care for a lilac bush?
Choose an area with plenty of afternoon sun and well-drained soil. Since lilacs prefer good drainage, planting lilac bushes in slightly elevated areas is recommended whenever possible. Following planting lilac bushes, water them thoroughly and add a layer of loose mulch.
Do lilac bushes make a good hedge?
Fragrant old-fashioned lilacs (Syringa) make a handsome natural hedge, but don’t expect results overnight. Lilacs grow slowly at first and may take as many as 5 to 7 years to fill in and bloom well. They need minimal pruning and look best when allowed to take their natural form.
Can you keep a lilac bush small?
However, it is both possible and prudent to care for lilacs and ensure that they stay a reasonable size. Lilacs are incredibly hardy plants, and they will grow normally without much special attention.
What month do lilacs bloom?
Depending on where you live, and the lilac varieties you choose, lilacs can provide color and fragrance from April through June. By selecting carefully, it is possible to have two months of spring blooms, particularly if the weather is cool.
