How to Plant Syringa

Syringa is the name for several varieties of lilacs that are available to the home gardener. Hybrids are available for most growing zones in the United States. Common lilacs prefer areas that have a defined winter with cold temperatures, but varieties such as the Descano hybrids can grow in climates that are warmer year around. Syringa is a flowering shrub will add color to your garden throughout the spring and early summer.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Seedling
• Shovel
• Mulch
• Fertilizer
• Pruning shears

1. Dig a hole deep enough and wide enough to cover the lilac roots when planted vertically in the ground. Choose an area that has good drainage and plenty of sun.

2. Water thoroughly and place a light covering of mulch around the base of the plant to keep weeds down and retain moisture.

3. Water deeply once a week during dry periods, but keep in mind that over watering can damage the shrubs.

4. Apply a general purpose low-nitrogen shrub fertilizer in the spring to encourage blooming.

5. Prune the bushes in the late summer after the blooms have fallen off. Remove dead and dying branches and shape the bush as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Syringa make great privacy shrubs. Space them five feet apart; within one to two years they will fill in completely. Syringa are available in a variety of sizes, from small dwarf varieties up to large eight foot trees. A nursery can help you find the variety to suit your needs.

• Pests can kill lilacs. Spray infected plants with soapy water and prune off all affected branches.