How to Grow Korean Lilac - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Korean lilac is a species of flowering plant in the olive family. It is native to Korea and China. The korean lilac is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 6–15 feet tall. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped, and the flowers are white or pale pink.

How to Grow Korean Lilac - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Japanese holly
  • Yew
  • Hemlock
  • Cypress
  • Juniper

Things to Know

  • Korean lilac is a popular ornamental plant.
  • It is native to Korea and China.
  • It is a deciduous shrub or small tree.
  • It has fragrant, pale pink flowers.
  • The flowers bloom in late spring or early summer.
  • Korean lilac is tolerant of urban pollution.
  • It prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade.
  • It is drought tolerant once established.
  • It is generally pest and disease free.
  • It can be propagated from seed or cuttings.

Related plant:
Korean Lilac Bush

Planting Process

  1. For korean lilac, first step is to start with the soil. It should be rich in organic matter and well-drained.
  2. The second step is to take a cutting from a healthy plant.
  3. The third step is to plant the cutting in a pot with soil.
  4. The fourth step is to water the cutting regularly.
  5. The fifth step is to fertilize the cutting every month.
  6. The sixth step is to keep the cutting in a sunny location.
  7. The seventh step is to transplant the cutting into the ground after it has grown for a few months.
  8. The eighth step is to water the plant regularly.
  9. The ninth step is to fertilize the plant every month.
  10. The tenth step is to enjoy the beautiful blossoms of the korean lilac!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the korean lilac prefers well-drained soil, and it also needs full sun exposure for about six to eight hours per day in order to maintain its blooming cycle. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, which could cause the roots to rot. In terms of soil pH, the korean lilac thrives in slightly acidic to neutral conditions.

Light requirement

Just like other lilac bushes, the Korean lilac requires full sun in order to produce the most flowers. However, it is more tolerant of partial sun than other lilac varieties. If you live in an area with hot summers, it is best to plant your Korean lilac in a location that receives afternoon shade.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for a Korean lilac are warm days and cool nights. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The Korean lilac is a hardy plant that can withstand some drought. However, it will not tolerate long periods of wet or saturated soils.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. This plant cannot tolerate long periods of dryness. The leaves will start to turn brown and drop off if the plant is not getting enough moisture.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, usually the plant needs more nitrogen when it is actively growing during the spring. You can use a general-purpose fertilizer or a fertilizer made specifically for lilacs. The amount of fertilizer to use depends on the type you have and the instructions on the package. For the roots, it is best to plant the lilac in an area with well-drained soil. If the soil is too wet, the roots may rot.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for a Korean lilac. It helps to encourage new growth, keep the plant healthy, and promote better blooming. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. Cut back any overgrown branches, and thin out the plant to allow light and air to reach all parts of it.

The Propagation

Propagation of korean lilac is best done from cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and should be taken from the tips of the branches. Cuttings should be placed in a rooting medium such as perlite or vermiculite. Rooting hormone can be used to encourage root growth. Cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a shady location. Once roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into pots or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively slow. The average korean lilac grows to be about 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. They will flower in mid to late spring with large, showy clusters of blooms. The korean lilac is a deciduous shrub, so it will shed its leaves in fall.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant (syringa meyeri) are wilting, yellowing leaves, and brown spots on the leaves. These problems are usually caused by too much water, too little water, or a lack of nutrients.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water the plant. Water it everyday.
  • Place the plant in a sunny spot.
  • Fertilize the plant once a month.
  • Prune the plant regularly to encourage growth.
  • Do not expose the plant to extreme temperatures.
  • Keep the plant away from drafts.
  • Repot the plant every two years.
  • Be sure to clean the leaves of the plant regularly.
  • Inspect the plant regularly for pests and diseases.
  • Have patience! It takes time for a Korean lilac to grow.

You May Like

  • Korean maackia (maackia amurensis)
  • Mountain lilac (cestrum aurantiacum)
  • Mountain lilac (syringa pubescens subsp. patula)
  • Purple lilac (syringa pubescens subsp. patula)
  • Korean lilac (syringa oblata)
  • Crimean lilac (syringa x persica)
  • Persian lilac (syringa x persica)
  • Indian lilac (melia azedarach)
  • White lilac (syringa vulgaris)
  • Villa Rica lilac (syringa villosa)

Source:
Syringa pubescens subsp. patula 'Miss Kim' (Miss Kim Korean Lilac…
Korean Lilac | The UFOR Nursery & Lab - trees.umn.edu
Lilac Collection | Arnold Arboretum

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category