How to Plant a Japanese Lilac Tree

If you are thinking about planting a tree that is almost pest-free, needs no pruning, grows to only 20 feet high, has a nice rounded form and produces beautiful creamy white flowers every spring, then you should check out the Japanese lilac tree. Even though it is almost fool-proof to grow, there are a few things you can do to make it a magnificent tree.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Garden hose
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Determine if you are in the right planting zone for the tree. It is more heat tolerant than the common lilac, but it will not grow in the deep South. Generally it will grow well in climate zones 3 through 6 and sometimes 7. Unlike tropical plants that can be taken in during the winter, this tree actually needs the cold.

2. Choose your location for planting. Although the tree is very tolerant of poor soil and can grow well in urban settings, it does best in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil with full sun exposure. Since it only grows to be 20 feet high, power lines are not a problem and it will not grow over a house if planted near it.

3. Dig a hole that is at least 6 inches bigger on all sides than the root ball of your Japanese lilac tree. Undo the wrapping around the roots and set the tree into the hole. Try to keep the soil level the same as it was in the nursery.

4. Fill the dirt back in around the tree, tamping it in place with your heel as you go. You want to make sure that it does not have any air pockets that can dry out the roots. Leave a slight impression like a doughnut around the tree to collect water.

5. Water the tree every day for the first week, unless you are planting during a rainy season. During the first year, make sure it gets a couple of inches of water every week, whether by rain or by garden hose.

6. Add a 6-inch or more layer of root mulch for water retention as well as weed control around the tree. Pull the mulch back so that it is not right against the bark of the tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant in a container for a stunning ornamental bush on a patio.