Lilacs

Lilacs come from the olive family and were first brought to our country around the early1700’s.

Lilacs are quite easy to grow, but they do their best in full sun and are not real particular about soil except that is should be well drained.

Lilacs are fairly heavy feeders, so it is a good idea to fertilize every other year.

Most lilacs can be used as a hedge or screen or as a single specimen plant.  Some of the smaller varieties also make excellent foundation plants or work well in rock gardens and berms.

Lilacs bloom on last years’ wood, so pruning should wait until after the are through blooming.  It is also a good idea to cut off the faded blooms; otherwise too much energy is spent developing seeds that would be better used for next year’s blooms.  This is not always possible, though, especially when the plants become too large.   

When pruning, cut out dead and diseased wood.  You also may thin out some of the larger, inside branches to promote better light and growth for the rest of the plant.

Common Lilacs are found almost everywhere.  They grow 12-15 feet in height and make a nice, informal hedge or screen.  They may be pruned to maintain a height of six to eight feet if so desired.

French hybrids are usually a little smaller than the common varieties.  They grow six to 12 feet.

Dwarf varieties stay quite small, 3-6 feet and are very fragrant.