How Much Sunlight Does a Lilac Bush Need?

Lilacs are attractive flowering shrubs.

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a medium to large flowering shrub that produces a large number of fragrant flowers. Lilacs grow well in a variety of environmental conditions, but will grow best in locations with full sunlight throughout the day.

Location

Location is the most important factor when deciding where to plant lilacs. Plants located in full sunlight with well-drained soil will produce the largest number of flowers. Lilacs planted in the shade will not grow as quickly or produce as many flowers.

Care

Though lilacs are drought tolerant, in order to keep them healthy and producing abundant numbers of flowers you should water plants that are located in full sun at least once per week--by hose or nature. Buds should be pruned immediately after flowering in order to have a healthy show of flowers the following season.

Sunlight and Health

Lilacs that receive a full day of sunlight are generally less susceptible to disease than lilacs in shade. Common lilac diseases are from insects such as scales and borers as well as the fungus powdery mildew.

References

• North Dakota State University: Common Lilac
• Harvard University: The Arnold Arboretum: How to Plant and Care for Lilacs
• University of Illinois Extension: Growing Lilacs
• Project Bud Burst: Common Lilac