Suitable Planting Locations for Lilacs
Introduction: This article provides information on where lilacs grow best and detailed knowledge about caring for lilacs. Next, the editor will introduce these topics.
Lilacs are trees suited to temperate climates, preferring sunlight and slightly tolerant of shade. If planted in a shaded environment, although they can still grow, the branches will be slender and weak, the inflorescences will be short and loose, and the flowers' luster will be severely damaged. Therefore, it is most suitable to maintain the plants in an environment with strong scattered light. Lilacs have good cold and drought resistance but are very susceptible to waterlogging. After waterlogging occurs, the roots can easily rot and die, so avoid planting in low-lying, damp areas.
When planting potted lilacs, soil selection is very important. It is best to use acidic sandy soil that is well-draining and rich in humus, which is conducive to plant growth. For ground planting, choose a sunny, fertile location with deep soil layers and good drainage. After digging a hole, you can apply some decomposed organic fertilizer or bone meal in the hole to provide ample nutrients for the plant. Then, cover with a thin layer of soil and plant the plant with the soil ball in the hole. After planting, water thoroughly.
Lilacs do not like heavy fertilization. Over-fertilization can easily cause the plant to grow excessively, which in turn affects flowering. Therefore, after winter, it is necessary to reduce the amount of fertilizer or stop fertilizing. If nutrients need to be supplemented during winter, dig a circular trench around the base of the plant and apply some decomposed manure. This can provide nutrients for the plant and prevent over-fertilization. If fertilizer is applied in winter, there is no need to fertilize during the growing season, except for applying a thin solution of decomposed fertilizer in early spring after germination and after flowering.
When caring for lilacs, watering must be moderate, keeping the soil slightly moist and regularly loosening the soil for aeration. It is also important to ensure timely drainage to prevent waterlogging. If waterlogging occurs, the plant's leaves will quickly wither and turn yellow, and the plant may lose its leaves and die within about a week. Pruning is also necessary when caring for lilacs. If there is no need to save seeds after flowering, it is best to prune the spent flowers along with the buds below the inflorescence. At the same time, thin out some dense branches to promote ventilation and reduce nutrient consumption, leading to more abundant flowers and foliage the following year.
Mature plants should have dead and diseased branches cut after they lose their leaves, and overly long and crossed branches should be moderately pruned to ensure more even distribution and maintain an attractive tree shape. Any suckers from the roots should be removed promptly if not dividing the plant to maintain a tidy tree form.
For potted lilacs, it is best to choose dwarf varieties, such as variegated lilacs and small-leafed lilacs. The potting mix can be prepared with decomposed leaf soil, garden soil, and sand. After planting, place the pot in a sunny location and keep the soil moist during the growing season. Apply a thin solution of fertilizer 1-2 times and add 1-2 times of phosphorus-rich liquid fertilizer during the bud stage to make the flowers more colorful.
The above is the information on suitable planting locations for lilacs and detailed knowledge about caring for lilacs. I hope it is helpful to you!