SHRUBS > LILAC
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LILAC GUIDES
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Lilac ( Syringa vulgaris ) is an excellent selection of shrub for many gardens .
It is an attractive ornamental commonly grown for its showy blooms of pinkish , purple or white flowers that emerge for a short period in the recent spring or early summer – just before roses and other summer flowers come into bloom .
“ Syringa vulgarisis a deciduous bush that provides some of the most fragrant flowers that are hump for attracting bees , butterflies and other pollinator , ” adds Anca Panait , a Garden Designer .
“ It can also be used as a small tree in the garden by pruning the lower branches . ”
For these usher , we sought advice fromDavid Gressley – a Board Member with the International Lilac Society and the Vice President of the US division .
“ Over 2,000 lilac cultivar are named for early botanist , ordinary and state people , places and events that can be arranged in a contrasting colour regalia to best accentuate their hue , ” explain David , when discussing his fascination with the lilac genus .
Overview
PreferredFull Sun / Light Shade
ExposureExposed or Sheltered
Height2.5 – 4 M
Spread2.5 – 4 M
Bloom TimeMay
PreferredChalk , Loam , Sand , Clay
MoistureMoist but well drain
pHNeutral / Alkaline
The common lilac is in the Oleaceae or olive family.1Syringa vulgaris – Common Lilac . ( n.d . ) . Plant fact . find March 21 , 2023 , fromhttps://plantfacts.osu.edu/pdf/0247-1083.pdf
It is aboriginal to the Balkan peninsula , where it naturally grows on rocky hills.2Common Lilac ( Syringa vulgaris ) . ( n.d . ) . iNaturalist . remember March 21 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/83072-Syringa-vulgaris
It is now widely cultivated in the UK and around the existence , and has been naturalise in some parts of Europe and North America , though is not regarded as an strong-growing or invasive species .
Today , there are many different name and cultivated variety to choose from .
Why Grow Lilac?
Though it flower for just a short period of time of clip in previous natural spring or early summer , we would still extremely advocate arise lilac in your garden .
While these shrubs are in bloom , their beautiful pinko , pale royal or clean bloom are truly beautiful and they will effuse a lovely smell out around your garden .
What is more , even when the flowers are done for the class , the shrubs themselves will continue to add architectural height and social organization to your outdoor space .
The flowers wo n’t just be great for you , they are also wonderful for attracting bee and other pollinators such as butterfly and moth to your garden .
This unquestionably gain them a good choice for a wildlife - favorable garden , especially when combined with other flora that bloom at unlike times of year , or over a tenacious period .
The blossom can also be a useful yield and can also be used in projects inside your home .
you may make an essential crude , or an infuse oil that can be used in perfumery , and in a kitchen range of born DIY cleaning or beauty product .
The flowers can also be used to yield a natural green dyestuff , green and brownish dye can also be derived from the leaves , and a lily-livered - orange natural dye from the twigs .
The wood from the lilac is also used for pen , bowl and other small - turn task , and small chip at token .
Common Varieties
There are many cultivar ofS. vulgaristo count in the UK , including :
When prefer a lilac , your elementary considerateness is likely to be aesthetic , and the color and variation of the blooming .
Most will have similar growth habits , though a few are more compact in course and a little less vigorous than others .
If you are look for a small plant life , ‘ Red Pixie ’ could be a in effect choice to deal .
This is not only suitable for a small garden , it could also be grown successfully in a large can .
One thing to observe is that in this article we are refer toS. vulgaris(common lilac ) but there are really a few other species within this genus to reckon .
Some exercise admit :
More commonly recognise as ‘ Himalayan lilac ’ .
A big deciduous shrub rise up to 5 m tall , with tubelike white heyday and variegated leaves .
make love as ‘ Korean Lilac ’ – this species has purple - pinkish flush .
This option is another summary lilac , groovy for pocket-size spaces or container growing .
Where To Grow Lilac
“ To provide proper care for your lilac shrub , start by choosing an optimum site location to encourage respectable plant health , ” enounce David .
Lilac prefers and warm and sunny place , though it can also do well in mottled shade .
It is good to make certain that the location will get at least 6 hours of sun each sidereal day .
It is audacious to zone H6 in the UK .
The ideal piazza to grow lilac is in a deep , prolific and well - drained loam .
However , this is a plant that can succeed in most stain , include chalk .
“ Because I have an acidic land I ca n’t grow lilac , which is a real shame because I ’d grow a few if I could , ” share Colin Skelly , a Horticultural Consultant .
“ I ’ve try but they face so unhappy that I ca n’t put them through it any more .
“ I have to wait until I natter regions such as the Cotswolds with chalky soils to enjoy the splendours of lilac . ”
The one thing to take note is that it does not perform at its bestin acidic soil conditions .
Lilac is very utilitarian as part of an informal , barbaric , sundry hedge or in a traditional border , where it will be great for add height and structure at or faithful to the back of the bed .
