How to Care for Syringa Lilacs

Syringa lilacs produce pink, white or lavender flower buds in the spring.

French lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) grow to heights of 10 to 15 feet with a 10-foot spread at maturity. The plants produce pink, white or lavender flower buds in the spring. These moderate growers prefer full sunlight to partial shade and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Most Syringa lilacs appreciate spacing of 3 to 4 feet. If provided with all the necessary requirements, Syringa lilacs will need little care once the roots are established.

Things You'll Need

• Soaker hose
• Fertilizer
• Mulch
• Pruning shears
• Fungicide
• Insecticidal soap

Instructions

1. Water the Syringa lilacs 2 to 3 times a week during the first month of planting. Use a soaker hose, which will provide deep watering. Water once a week after the first month. Syringa lilacs require at least 1 inch of water a week in lieu of rain.

2. Feed the Syringa lilacs after the first growing season. Use a 5-10-5 fertilizer, applied according to label instructions. Avoid applying fertilizer directly on the Syringa lilac, but rather place it around the base of the plant. Water deeply after fertilizing.

3. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the Syringa lilacs. Mulching with pine bark or straw will improve water retention. Mulching also helps to reduce weed growth and will keep the roots of the lilacs warm during the winter and cool in summer.

4. Rejuvenate the Syringa lilacs yearly by giving them a good pruning. Use a sharp pair of pruning shears to remove one-third of the previous year's stem growth. During the pruning process, remove dead, damaged or inward growing stems.

5. Treat diseases with a fungicide. Syringa lilacs are prone to powdery mildew, leafroll virus, Verticillium wilt and bacterial leaf spots. A fungicide applied according to label instructions should help prevent and reduce the advancement of fungal growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove pests, such as caterpillars and borers with gloved hands, or spray the Syringa lilacs with an insecticidal soap applied according to label instructions.

• Do not over water Syringa lilacs. Standing water will harm the roots. Press your fingers into the soil at a depth of 1 inch. If the soil feels moist, do not add more water. Check the soil again in a day or so.

References

• Fine Gardening: Syringa vulgaris 'Krasavitsa Moskvy' (Common lilac, French lilac)
• Syringa Plus: Lilac care

Resources

• White Flower Farm: Syringa-Lilacs