Planting Lilac Bushes

Question:

Hardiness Zone: 3b

Jenny from Milwaukee, WI

Answer:

In general, the best time for planting lilacs is in the fall or spring. In zones like ours, which can have extremely harsh winters, I personally think it's best to wait until the spring. That way you can be sure they have plenty of time to adjust before winter arrives. It also pays to watch your local nurseries. In my area, nurseries always seem to have the best selections of lilac shrubs in the spring, so one can only assume that spring would be the optimal time to plant them.

Here are some general planting tips:

1. Plant them in full sun. Lilacs need at least 6 hours of sun per day for maximum performance. Inadequate sun is the number one reason they fail to bloom.

2. Make sure the site has well drained soil.

3. For bare root lilacs, soak them in a bucket of water while you prepare a hole 3-4 feet in diameter (wider is even better) and as deep as the height of the roots.

4. Lilacs prefer slightly alkaline soil. Add a handful of lime as necessary to correct pH.

5. The soil should consist of a 3:1 ratio of loamy soil to compost or well-rotted manure. If the lilac comes planted in a container, use as much of that soil as possible when refilling the hole. Adding in coarse sand or gravel will help improve drainage.

6. Score the roots of container lilacs before planting to encourage spreading.

7. Mulch newly planted lilacs with 3-4 inches of bark.

8. The University of Wisconsin Extension Service has an extensive media archive including a VHS title called, "Master Gardener Training #6 "Woody Ornamentals." It includes information on selecting lilacs for Wisconsin gardeners. These videos are available to borrow for free (you pay mailing costs). http://www.uwex.edu/ces/media/index.html

Good luck!
Ellen