Lilacs for Descanso Gardens
Lilac (Syringa) is a tall shrub that grows up to 22 feet tall.
It has attractive, aromatic foliage and bears wonderfully scented
lilac, blue or pink flowers previous year's growth in spring.
It suckers heavily and is one of Descanso's own 'passalong plants.'
These do well as in a shrub border or as a specimen plant.
Molly Jean says: 'Because my Mother was born in England, my parents
planted English Lilac (species name unknown) in the 1930's.
I have a number of rows of this plant, which grows well in our
climate. It needs to be in the sun in order to bloom well.
Some of these plants are now over fifty years old and still
blooming. Many send up new runners every year!'
(For native lilac, see
Ceanothus )
CULTIVATION:
- Location: Full sun.
- Soil: Fertile, humus rich, well drained, neutral to alkaline.
- Water:
Provide deep water periodically.
- Pruning: Deadhead first year plantings before fruit forms.
Most lilacs need minimal pruning, although S. Vulgaris may
be severely cut back if it grows outside its bounds.
PROPAGATION:
- This is definitely a ''passalong" plant. The easiest way to propagate it is to take a rooted runner from an established plant.
- Syringa may be started from seed in fall.
Plant in a flat or protected seedbed.
Lift and plant into containers when roots and sprouts form.
Protect until the plants become well settled.
Plant purchased or homegrown five-gallon containers.
They can also be started from greenwood cuttings or layered
in early summer.
TRY THESE SPECIES:
- French or common Lilac (Syringa Vulgaris) can grow
into a small tree with double or single lilac colored blooms
in late spring
- 'Kravitsa Mosca' has pink buds and pink-tinged white flowers
SOURCES:
- Local nurseries;
Mail order sources.
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