Lilac Tree

November 16, 2024 Post a Comment

Lilac tree

The difference comes down to the amount and placement of stems. Lilac bushes (AKA shrubs) are defined in the typical manner, with multiple woody stems coming up from the base of the plant. In contrast, most lilac trees have one single woody stem: the trunk.

How tall do lilac trees get?

The common lilac grows between 8 and 12 feet tall, depending on the variety.

Where is the best place to plant a lilac tree?

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. The best time to plant lilacs is in late fall before the ground freezes.

What do you do with a lilac tree in the winter?

To help prevent winter heave (exposure of roots due to the ground freezing and thawing), cover the base of the plant with 3 to 4 inches of mulch. During late winter or early spring, if a harsh freeze comes along, you may need to cover your shrub to protect the new buds. You can use a blanket, plastic tent, or burlap.

Can I plant a lilac tree next to my 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. A distance of 12 feet (4 m.)

Are lilac trees high maintenance?

Generally, lilacs require little care and maintenance. You're thinking about buying a lilac and need to know when to plant it? You should plant your new tree or shrub in the spring or fall. Lilacs prefer soils whose pH is neutral or slightly alkaline.

Are lilacs 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. Too much roughage may upset the digestive system in your pet.

What is the best month to plant lilacs?

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.

Where should you not plant lilac bushes?

Lilacs grow best in full sun, so avoid planting them where they will be shaded for more than half a day. Be sure to plant them with enough space for future growth. Read the plant label to get the height and spread of the mature plant. To thrive, lilacs need good drainage.

Do you cut back lilac trees in the fall?

When To Prune. As a general rule for all lilacs, they should be pruned immediately after they're done flowering in the spring. Since lilacs set next year's flower buds right after the current year's flowers have faded, pruning later in the summer or fall will result in cutting off many or all of next year's flowers.

Should lilac trees be cut back?

Lilacs should be pruned yearly to develop a good framework of stems and promote vigorous growth that enhances flowering. Yearly pruning consists of cutting diseased, misshapen, and unproductive stems to the ground. I also thin and remove some stems to encourage properly spaced, vigorous growth.

How long does it take a lilac tree to full grown?

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 you keep a lilac tree from spreading?

You can install barriers that go down 6 inches or more into the ground that should keep the lilacs from spreading through to your landscape beds. The barrier could be a poly-based material with steel or metal edging.

How do you protect a lilac tree in the winter?

Use a blanket, canvas, or even plastic tent over the bush to help protect the buds form the cold. Remove it during the day if temperatures warm up so the plant can get sun and air.

Are lilac bushes low maintenance?

Once established, lilacs are fairly drought tolerant and require minimal care. Plant them in a place where you can enjoy the fragrant spring blossoms. Combine them with summer and fall blooming shrubs and perennials to ensure continuous color in your landscape.

What is the best smelling lilac tree?

The lilac usually considered the most fragrant is a Chinese native—S. pubescens. It has small, white flowers tinged with purple.

Do lilac trees stay green all year?

As the name suggests, these plants stay green all year long, which can brighten many a winter garden, especially in northern climates.

Do lilac trees need a lot of water?

Watering your lilac plant is recommended once every 10 to 14 days from from spring until blooming ends. Lilacs respond best to deep, infrequent watering. Make sure that your planting area or container drains well. These plants do not like wet feet and will not bloom if over watered.

Are lilac trees fast growing?

The lilac is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub with an irregular, rounded outline. It is fast growing when young, but slows to about one foot a year with age.

What animals eat lilacs?

Deer will most likely eat the lilac bushes during the winter or when other food sources are scarce. It also happens when your lilac bushes are young because deer will gladly feed on them. If lilac bushes are also native to your area, there's a high chance they might become one of the deer's favorite foods.