Lilacs

 

Beautiful age old lilacs.  These lilacs were taken from a bush that was brought from a start across the plains in either a covered wagon or push cart by the Pioneers. 

It is time for lilacs to come out in the spring.  For those of you who don't have availability to someone with a lilac bush and have to buy one here are a few tips to give your lilac bush a better chance.

Roses and Lilacs get along well.

 

Lilacs grow where there is winter, they need the cold winter and grow best in zones 3, 4, and 5, in the cooler regions of zones 6 and 7 and in the warmer regions of zone 2.  Although I grew them in Arizona and they didn't do as well, they don't like that much heat.  They don't like wind chill.  Lilacs need proper drainage and grow best along rocky, limestone hillsides.

Lilacs like sandy, gravelly loam mixed with organic matter like compost and aged manure.  In early spring sprinkle a little wood ashes around the base of the lilac bush and work it gently into the top layer of soil  Every three years apply a cup of ground limestone to the soil and work gently into the soil but be careful of the roots.

 

Plant lilacs in full to nearly full sun for you to get those pretty lilac flowers.  It is best to prune lilacs annually and the best time to prune is after they bloom.

 

After the lilac is established and the size you want it to be cut to the ground approximately one third of the oldest branches and thinnest suckers.   It send the energy into the bush and it will do better.  Remove suckers and small twiggy branches.  Cut the flowers after blooming snipping very close to the end of the flower but be careful to not remove new growth that will give you next years flowers.

 

If  you don't want a lilac tree keep to the height about eight to nine feet.