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Height/Spread: The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) grows 12 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide. There are many smaller dwarf varieties that mature at 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 7 feet wide. Japanese tree lilacs (Syringa reticulata) can reach 25 to 30 feet tall.
Can you keep a lilac bush small?
An older lilac may stop blooming if neighboring trees have grown up to cast shade on it. Lilacs need regular renewal pruning to thin them out and control their size. Since common lilac is a big shrub or a small tree, growing 8 to 20 feet tall and almost as wide, it can simply be too much shrub for smaller yards.
How do you prune an overgrown lilac bush?
Begin the procedure by removing one-third of the large, old stems at ground level in late winter. The following year (again in late winter), prune out one-half of the remaining old stems. Also, thin out some of the new growth. Retain several well-spaced, vigorous stems and remove all the others.
Is there a difference between a lilac bush and a lilac tree?
To clear up any confusion, there is no difference between a lilac bush and a lilac tree, they are the same plant just called by different names. Some lilacs flower two weeks earlier, including Syringa x hyacinthiflora varieties and these are often referred to as early flowering lilacs.
Where should I 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.
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.
How far can you cut back a lilac bush?
If lilac bushes are already too large or becoming unsightly, however, pruning the entire bush or tree to about 6 or 8 inches (15-20 cm.) off the ground may be necessary. Keep in mind that you may have to wait for flowers, as it takes about three years for them to develop once the entire shrub has been cut.
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.
How much can you prune a lilac bush?
Pruning lilac shrubs A good rule of thumb when pruning lilacs is not to prune more than one third of a shrub’s stems per year.
Can you turn a lilac bush into a tree?
Flowering shrubs you can turn into trees include lilac, panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), flowering quince and spring blooming star magnolia (Magnolia stellata). It’s not impossible to train these shrubs into small trees; it just might take a little more effort.
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.
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.
What should I plant next to my lilac bush?
Additional Lilac Bush Companions Mock orange. Flowering crabapples. Dogwoods. Flowering cherries. Magnolias.
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 long does it take for a lilac bush to get to full maturity?
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.
Are banana peels good for lilacs?
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.
How do you rejuvenate an old lilac tree?
How do you prune lilacs? Get rid of dead, broken or diseased stems first, as well as any weaker branches. In addition, cut branches to prevent rubbing or crossing. Remove old stems that are thicker than two inches. Manage sucker growth.
How do you revive a lilac bush?
Grasp one side of the sliced stem and twist backward. Immediately place the cut stems back into the bucket of water. Allow the stems to take up more water in a cool, dark place for another one to two hours. The lilacs will then be ready for arranging, and will last three to four days.
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.
Is Miracle Gro good for lilacs?
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.
Can a lilac bush be cut back?
Lilacs should be pruned yearly to develop a good framework of stems and promote vigorous growth that enhances flowering. Removing stems may be done immediately after flowering, or, if you don’t mind sacrificing a few blossoms, in late winter. Shoots and stems should be cut off at or just below soil level.
