How to Grow Lilac Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Lilac tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall. It has light green leaves and blooms purple flowers in the spring. The lilac tree is a popular plant for gardens and landscaping.

How to Grow Lilac Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Syringa
  • Mockorange
  • Honeylocust
  • Dogwood
  • Redbud

Good to Know

  • Native to Europe, Asia and North America
  • A deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 5–10 m tall
  • Has heart-shaped, toothed leaves and panicles of fragrant pale lilac, purple or white flowers
  • Flowers appear in early to mid-spring
  • Prefers full sun and well-drained soil
  • Can be propagated from seed, cuttings or suckers
  • Susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot and root rot
  • Can be susceptible to borers, aphids and Japanese beetles
  • Susceptible to deer and rabbits
  • Attracts bees, butterflies and birds

Related plant:
Korean Lilac Bush

Growing Steps

  1. For lilac tree, first step is to find a location with well-drained soil and full sun.
  2. Then, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s roots.
  3. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with the excavated soil.
  4. Next, water the tree thoroughly.
  5. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk.
  6. Finally, prune the lilac tree annually after it flowers.

Related plant:
Miss Kim Lilac

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the best thing for a lilac tree is well-drained soil with a lot of organic matter. If your soil is too dense or compacted, it won't drain well and the roots will suffocate. Add compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and aeration.

About light

So, like the other lilac trees, the sun light requirement for this particular variety is at least six hours per day. If the tree is not getting enough sun, it will not bloom as profusely as it should. The sun is necessary for the tree to produce the energy it needs to grow and bloom.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition is optimal for the growth of lilac trees. The average temperature for lilac trees is between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Lilac trees can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they grow best in temperatures that are not too hot or too cold.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off. The best way to increase the humidity for this plant is to mist the leaves with water daily.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this plant is not very demanding. On average, you should fertilize your tree two or three times a year, using a balanced fertilizer. If you see the leaves turning yellow, this is likely a sign of iron deficiency, in which case you should use an iron-rich fertilizer. When it comes to watering, the roots of this plant are quite sensitive, so you should be careful not to overwater. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a horticultural practice that involves the selective removal of parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or leaves. Pruning is often done to improve the plant's appearance or to encourage fruit production. Proper pruning techniques can also help to keep a plant healthy. When pruning a lilac tree, it is important to remove any dead or diseased branches. It is also necessary to thin out the tree to promote air circulation and prevent the branches from overcrowding one another. Finally, pruning can also help to control the size and shape of the tree.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done by taking cuttings from the desired plant. The cutting should be taken from new growth and should be about 6 inches long. The cutting should be placed in a pot with well-drained soil. The pot should be kept moist and in a warm location until the cutting has rooted.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 10 to 12 inches per year. However, young lilac trees may grow up to 24 inches per year for the first few years. When grown in the proper conditions, lilac trees can live for many decades.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, scale, and borers. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from plants. They are usually green, but they can also be black, brown, or yellow. Scale are small, hard-bodied insects that suck the sap from plants. They are usually white or gray. Borers are long, thin insects that bore into the wood of plants.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your lilac tree in an area that receives full sun. Lilac trees need at least six hours of sunlight each day in order to thrive.
  • Be sure to space your lilac tree properly when planting. Give each tree at least 10 feet of space from other trees or shrubs.
  • It is important to keep the soil around your lilac tree moist, but not soggy. Water the soil deeply and regularly, especially during periods of drought.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your lilac tree to help retain moisture in the soil and control weeds.
  • Fertilize your lilac tree annually in the spring using a well-balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your lilac tree annually in late winter or early spring. This will help to encourage new growth and keep the tree looking tidy.
  • Be on the lookout for common pests and diseases that can affect lil

Related Plants

  • Lila
  • Lily
  • Lavender
  • Tulip
  • Rose
  • Orchid
  • Magnolia
  • Jasmine
  • Lilac
  • Daffodil

Source:
Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac, English Lilac, French Lilac)
Lilac Collection | Arnold Arboretum
Lilac: An old-fashioned, favorite shrub - MSU Extension

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