How to grow and care for Lilac?

With their graceful reddish-purple appearance, Lilacs are a favourite among gardeners across the globe. Due to the strong fragrance and catchy pastel hues, this flower is considered a one-of-a-kind decorative element for various occasions. You can find it in multiple shades of red, purple, blue, white and even cream yellow that can make your indoor or garden area more regal. So, here is all you need to know about growing and maintaining lilacs in your garden. 

See also: How to grow and care for Vinca flowers?

 

Lilacs: Key facts

Scientific name	Syringa vulgaris
Common name	Lilac
Family	Oleaceae
Native area	Europe and Asia
Type of plant	Shrubs
Mature size	12 to 15 feet tall
Exposure to sun	Ample sunlight is needed
Soil type	Neutral to slightly alkaline
Flower	Yes
Color of flower	Purple, blue, pink, white
Toxicity level	Not toxic

 

How to grow lilacs easily?

Growing lilacs in your home is not a tough task.

• Firstly, choose the fall or spring season to plant the lilacs as the soil keeps warm during this time. Warm soil works well for the growth of the lilac.
• You can get lilac plants from any nursery. Check whether the health of the plant is good or not.
• Create a hole that is roughly three inches deeper and at least twice as wide as the nursery sapling container.
• Spread out the roots after inserting the root ball into the hole.
• Use the original soil to backfill.
• Water well.
• Finally,  mulch the area around the base.
• Apply manure and lime mixture once a month after the growth of the plant.

 

Lilacs: Care tips

If you are interested in adding lilacs to your garden, you need to follow a few tips to maintain the healthy growth of lilacs. 

• Most lilac varieties thrive in full sun. Although common lilacs can tolerate some shade, they will produce fewer flowers as a result. 
• The soil at the planting site should be neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained and evenly moist. When the plant is well-grown, it can easily tolerate dry weather.
• To encourage growth and blooms, fertilise in the early spring with a balanced fertiliser.
• After flowering, prune right away to boost strong growth.
• Regularly check the plant for pests and diseases, and take quick action if needed.

 

Lilacs: Uses

Here are some of the uses of lilacs. 

• Lilacs are mainly used for decorative purposes. You can use them to increase the beauty of your small garden or balcony areas. It can easily give a next-level ambiance to your place with its charming appearance and fragrance. 
• Lilacs are known for their aromatherapy benefits. It can change the mood of any place with a strong yet amazing scent. 
• Lilacs are sometimes used in various food items to make them more delicious. 
• Lilac produces essential oil that can be added to various personal care products. 

 

Lilac: Varieties

Here are regal variants of lilacs that can enhance the appeal of any garden, farm or even your balcony. 

• Red Pixie Syringa: The most commonly known lilac is pixie red lilac. It comes with fragrant pink flowers with reddish open buds. You can expect these flowers to bloom in the late summer or early fall. It grows well in a large pot as well as in a small garden. 
• Palibin Syringa meyeri: If you want to decorate your garden with Korean plants, this one can be your great choice. It has oval, dark green leaves that contrast with masses of fragrant, purple-pink panicles of flower. Usually, this blooms from late spring to early summer. Growing it in a sunny area is ideal. It grows slowly and compactly. 
• Syringa sensation vulgaris: This variant is rich in scent with eye-catching purple-red flowers. 
• Primrose Syringa vulgaris: Primrose comes in a white-shaded flower. With maturity, the colour turns into a cream-yellow shade. It spreads a very mild attractive fragrance. 
• Syringa vulgaris Katherine Havemeyer: Katherine is an indoor-friendly bushy shrub that comes with a double petal lavender blue shade. In this plant, leaves also come in a heart-shaped design which makes the plant more captivating. 
• Syringa vulgaris Charles Joly: This variety features beautiful double purple petals with a red shaded appearance.
• Syringa vulgaris Madame Lemoine: Lemoine is a white-shaded lilac with double petals. Victor Lemoine was the first one who bred this variant. 

 

Major diseases and pests of lilacs

The major pest affecting lilacs is lilac leaf-mining moths. Apart from these, lilacs do not experience many diseases. There can be some normal problems like: 

• Poor flowering is the cause of water storage in the root area of the plant. You should always arrange a good drainage system to get healthy and well-grown flowers. 
• Blight is another issue that can occur in lilacs, which can result in dropped or blemished leaves. 

 

Are Lilacs toxic?

Lilacs are not toxic. Rather, they are widely used in various fragrance oils. 

 

FAQs

Can I grow lilacs in India?

Yes, Lilacs can be a perfect flower plant to grow in your garden, balcony, or even huge farms.

What are the main elements of lilac growth?

You need to arrange a place for lilacs where full sun is always available and the soil is equipped with a good drainage system.

Why are lilacs famous?

Lilacs are quite famous because of their magnificent charm and fragrance.

What is the scientific name of lilacs?

The scientific name of lilacs is Syringa Vulgaris.

What are the major diseases or pests in lilacs?

In lilacs, various leaf miner moths can affect leaves. Also, you may see brown dried leaves due to these moths.

Can you keep lilacs in sunlight?

Yes, lilacs are lovers of ample sunlight to grow good flowers with vibrant colours.

What are the uses of lilacs?

Lilacs are an inseparable part of aromatherapy. Also, it is used to decorate houses for special occasions. In some places, lilacs are also used in cooking.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com