It just wouldn’t be spring in Idaho without the wonderful fragrance and beautiful purple-flowered shrubs of Syringa vulgaris, the botanical name of the common lilac.
What zones will lilacs grow in?
LILAC BASICS
Most lilacs are hardy in zones 3-8; however, there are varieties cold hardy to zone 2, like Scentara® Double Blue (S. hyacinthiflora). There are also varieties, like ‘Lavender Lady’ (S. vulgaris) that are heat tolerant to zone 9 and don’t require a winter chill.
Can lilacs survive snow?
They can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees F. (-40 C.) but may need some protection from icy winds that damage the flower buds. They need well-draining soil to prevent frozen water from damaging their roots and killing the tree.
Can lilacs be grown in the South?
Sadly, not all lilacs are suited to the heat of the south. They often need a long period of winter chill for buds to mature and bloom the following spring. However, some lilac varieties and cultivars bloom well in the Lower South Region.
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.
How far south do lilacs grow?
Certain Lilacs can grown in climates between 3 to 9, I’ve read. But, they do thrive in the lower climates of 5 & 6.
Is there a difference between a lilac tree and a lilac bush?
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 cold can lilacs tolerate?
Lilacs are hardy shrubs, meaning that they need very little care to survive. They can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 C) but may need some protection from icy winds that damage the flower buds. To help flower production, lilacs need cold winters to help set next season’s blooms.
Will lilac survive a freeze?
Trees, including evergreens, should be fine, Petitti said, but popular plants like lilacs, wisteria and clematis should be protected, as their flowers will likely wilt from the freezing temps. “You need to protect them with a sheet,” Petitti said.
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! Just look at old, abandoned farmhouses where the lilacs still bloom vigorously.
Are lilacs hard to grow?
The common lilac, Syringa vulgaris, is well-loved for its toughness, reliability, and fragrance. In fact, lilacs are so tough that they can grow for 100+ years, often outliving the homes they were planted around. This deciduous multi-stemmed shrub (or small tree) has about 10 canes and produces flowers at eye-level.
Can lilacs grow zone 10?
Plus, thanks to its low chill factor, it will grow and thrive in southern areas of the country—reliably flowering in zones 9 and 10. A truly beautiful plant, this bush-type lilac grows 8-12′ tall with a 6-8′ spread, making it an ideal specimen plant or hedge variety.
Do lilacs grow in Colorado?
Like every plant, lilac has its strengths and weaknesses, but far more strengths. It is truly a sustainable shrub for Colorado, being both tough and drought tolerant. Enjoy the great variety of forms, flower colors and fragrances.
Are lilacs poisonous to dogs?
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.
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.
Do lilacs need a lot of water?
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. Too much water can diminish the oxygen in the soil by filling in air pockets with water, which chokes the roots of the lilac.
Do deer eat lilacs?
Even though lilacs are labeled as deer resistant, they can be vulnerable during the first few weeks after planting. Even if your plant has been snacked on, as long as the root system is not damaged, the shrub should survive. You can cut a lilac plant almost to the ground and it will recover and flourish.
How long does it take for a lilac bush to grow?
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 fast do lilac bushes grow?
about one foot a year
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. The stems are dark gray to gray-brown, and the wood is strong.
What color lilac is most fragrant?
white
The lilac usually considered the most fragrant is a Chinese native—S. pubescens. It has small, white flowers tinged with purple. The fragrance is sweet and spicy, very different from the traditional “lilac” scent.
Do lilac trees attract deer?
Overall, lilacs are deer resistant. They come in many varieties and sizes, but their beautiful, fragrant blooms deter deer.