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Planting Lilac Bush Situate the lilac with its roots spread vertically in the ground and make the hole both deep and wide enough to accommodate them. If planting more than one lilac bush, space them at least 5 feet (1.5 m.) apart to prevent overcrowding, even if you plan to use them as hedges for privacy.
What happens if you plant lilac bushes too close together?
However, if they’re planted too close together two clumps may eventually grow together so that the new variety is mixed with the old. Older varieties are often more vigorous than later, hybridized varieties and may even take over, especially if the old clump is already well established when the new plant is added.
How far should lilacs be planted apart?
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 best way to plant a lilac bush?
How to Plant Lilacs Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s root ball. Drop a Miracle-Gro® Quick Start® Planting Tablet into the hole to get plants off to a strong start. Remove the plant from its container and set it in the hole.
Will a lilac bush 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 coffee grounds good for lilac bushes?
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.
Where is the best place to plant a lilac bush?
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 is the lifespan of a lilac bush?
How long do lilac bushes live? They’re super-hardy and may live 75 years or more!May 24, 2018.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Can you plant lilac cuttings directly in the ground?
You can plant them directly into the ground. To plant your freshly dug lilac sucker in the ground, dig a hole deep enough, loosen up the soil some by digging around with your shovel. Place your lilac sucker or shoot into the hole and fill back with the loose soil. And that is how you propagate lilacs from suckers.
When should you trim a lilac bush?
Lilacs form flower buds at the tips of branches during the previous growing season. This means that it is important to prune just under the panicles a week or two after the plant has finished blooming. If you prune the branch tips heavily or after the flower buds have formed, you will have fewer blooms next year.
Are lilac bushes 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. Twigs and leaves can also get stuck in their throats.
Are banana peels good for lilac bushes?
Organic Lilac Food Grass clippings and coffee grounds are a good source of nitrogen, but use them sparingly in compost. Banana peels offer potassium to the soil.
Are eggshells good for lilac bushes?
Eggshells can be added to the soil anytime. Pulverize them and sprinkle them around your lilac bushes, gently turning them into the top few inches of your soil. Take care not to damage any roots and water thoroughly to help leech the eggshells into the soil.
Can you overwater a lilac bush?
Too much water can drown the plant. Careful not to underwater the shrub, as lilacs will not thrive in dry soil. Moisten the soil to a 12 inch depth, usually 2 inches of water per plant. Do not overwater your lilac.
