How to Care for And Grow Syringa Vulgaris 'lilacs' in Your Garden

Gardening is more than a simple hobby these days. In addition to helping you explore your creativity, it helps you add quite a vibrant and bold appearance most easily and effectively. Additionally, when it comes to beauty, you cannot ignore talking about Lilacs.

Syringa Vulgaris ‘Lilac’ are plants that can grow quite easily without any compromise on their looks and appeal. Their pretty purple flowers aren’t going to be eye-catching just to your guests but will attract a variety of butterflies and birds as well, adding to the beauty of your garden.

It means Lilacs can be one of the ideal picks if you want to plant something easy-to-grow yet beautiful.

Here, in this article, we aim to help you provide all the basic information needed for planting Syringa. Starting from their cultural requirements to common problems in their growth, you can read all about it.

What is Syringa?

Syringa Vulgaris is native to regions of colder temperatures. However, its beauty has made it an absolute favourite of every gardener. The plant bears beautiful flowers in the month of spring for a period of at least 3 to 4 weeks. However, the foliage of the plant remains beautiful throughout the year.

The most suitable environmental requirements for growing Lilac would be the colder areas as they allow the buds to grow easily.

These plants are available in several vibrant colours that can be used to create a bold impression. The most common colours of the Syringa plant include white, purple, pink, cream, and more.

Ways to Grow Syringa Vulgaris ‘Lilac’

Before introducing any plant to your garden, it is important to understand its cultural requirements and to provide it with the kind of support it requires, and Lilac is no different.

The major and most prominent need for Syringa to grow is the availability of good, well-drained, fertile soil. If you think your soil lacks such nutritional ability, it is suggested to use some nutritional supply or a suitable compost to improve its quality.
One of the most important decisions while planting Syringa is to choose a suitable variety. Distinct varieties don’t just differ in colour but have different heights as well. So, depending on wherever you’re planning to plant makes quite a difference.
You can get container variants from a nursery or online. These platforms will also let you know about the variety that best suits your area.
In addition to this, if you’re lucky, you can also ask your friends or loved ones for a sapling if they already have this lilac plant. Now, transplant the seedlings correctly.

How to Plant Syringa Vulgaris ‘Lilac’

While planting Lilac, you should be careful to choose a spot that receives ample sunlight. The availability of sunlight allows the plant to grow healthy, and the absence of it could not only impact its growth but can also lead to the occurrence of several diseases.
The soil used for planting Syringa should also be well-drained to provide maximum nourishment to the plants.
Before planting the Syringa, make sure to check its roots. If you find tangled or overgrown roots, it is suggested to detangle them carefully so they loosen up.
Now, you may plant the Lilac in an adequate season, like spring, by carefully loosening the soil and adjusting the roots.

Care and Nourishment for Your Syringa Vulgaris ‘Lilac’

1. Watering Routine

In the warm temperatures of summer, Syringa requires adequate watering. Carefully water the plants so they suitably reach the base.

For regular climates, allow the soil to dry before watering again.

2. Fertilising Your Plant

As discussed earlier, the major factor in the growth of Syringa remains the soil and its condition. And that is the reason you should use a fertiliser or compost to keep the nutritional ability of your soil in top condition.

You may use the compost once a year around Spring.

3. Pruning Tips and Techniques

The fact that pruning allows plants to enhance their growth and is important for their health is not hidden from anyone. And Syringa Vulgaris ‘Lilac’ is no different. It requires adequate trimming at regular intervals to improve air circulation and also keep the plant in its best shape.

While pruning, make sure to trim all the old and damaged branches, as they could also impact the other parts negatively. In addition to this, you may remove dead flowers. It is recommended to trim your plant at least once a year to maintain its shape and enhance flowering.

When to Prune Syringa?

Spring is considered as the best time to prune Syringa. The season happens to be the one when the plant just completes its flowering process. This is the reason why Spring is chosen to be the perfect pruning season. If you trim the plant in this season, you’ll be able to trim the deadhead parts and flowers correctly.

However, if you choose some other season, you may end up cutting the new buds as they appear as soon as the flowering process is over. It means this can impact the next year’s growth and beauty of your plant.

So, carefully analyse your plant and its flowering phase, and prune wisely.

Equipment Needed for Pruning

Common Problems While Growing Lilac

Like humans, plants are also not immune to all diseases and infections. This is why; if you’re planning to introduce Syringa to your gardens or as a houseplant, you may want to know about some common problems in their growing period and ways to tackle them. Below is the list of some commonly occurring problems with Syringa

1. Bacterial Contact

Such infections can lead to occurrences of spots on the plant’s leaves and shoots. They might change colors and turn brown. This can impact the appearance as well as the health of your plant.

In situations like this, it is suggested to prune the affected areas as early as you detect the problem.

2. Pathogenic Attack

The attacks of pathogens can also affect your plant severely. They can either turn your leaves into a powdery-like appearance or, at times, you may find some weird spots on them. This causes the leaves to dry and wither. Sometimes, they may fall as well.

For conditions like this, you may consider thinning the plant and cleaning the infected areas to control the infection from spreading.

3. Pest Attack

Like every other plant, pest attack is one of the most common problems among Syringa as well. Their contact with plants can severely impact their health and growth, which is why it is suggested to keep monitoring your plant regularly to check if they’re affected by any pest attack.

If Yes, it is time to prune them or simply use a suitable pesticide to control the pests and future attacks as well.

4. Fungal Infection

Sometimes, the plants are affected by fungal contact, which not only reduces their appeal by leaving spots on their leaves but also withers them and leads to their fall.

You may use a suitable fungicide to control the problem.

Conclusion

Everyone wants their garden to look pretty and fragrant, and introducing Syringa Vulgaris ‘Lilac’ is one of the best ways to do the same.

Syringa is noted for its tactile nature and leaves a pleasant aroma that feels soulful to the spirit. With some care and nourishment, you may grow these plants easily in your garden and pots. Knowing answers to questions like what type of soil is needed for its growth, what should be the positioning of these plants, how much you should water them, and more could help you significantly in providing them adequate growth.

Here, in this article, we have helped you hone down answers to all such queries. Consider following us if you would like to read more about plants, their requirements, ways to do more, and more.

Also, comment below to let us know when you plan to introduce Syringa to your gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Colours of Lilac Have a Specific Meaning?

Yes, the different colors of Lilac speak of different meanings. For instance, white stands for purity, while purple is noted to denote spirituality.

Is Lilac a Beautiful Plant?

Yes, lilacs are considered quite beautiful plants that not only attract human eyes but several birds and butterflies, which makes them a treat to the eyes.

Is Lilac a Poisonous Plant?

No, according to several research studies, Lilacs are not considered a poisonous plant for humans. Additionally, some studies also suggest that some parts of it are edible after thoroughly washing them. However, some variants of Lilac may be dangerous to some animals.

Can You Grow Syringa Indoors?

Yes, you may grow Syringa indoors as well as outdoors as long as you provide them with suitable cultural requirements. Just make sure to place them in areas that receive adequate sunlight. You may place them alongside windows.

What Soil Is Best for Growing Syringa?

The best soil to grow Syringa is the one that is well drained. Also, it is important to check the pH value of the same. It is recommended to use soil between the pH value of 6.5 to 7 to offer the best nourishment to your plant.

Is Syringa a Fast-Growing Plant?

Yes, Syringa is considered a fast-growing plant. However, its growth rate depends on its variety as well. Generally, the average varieties grow approx 11- 13 feet over a year.