How Big Do Lilacs Grow?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) grows

12 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide

. There are many smaller dwarf varieties that mature at 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 7 feet wide. Japanese tree lilacs (Syringa reticulata) can reach 25 to 30 feet tall.

Where is the best place to plant a lilac bush?

Where to Plant Lilacs. The ideal spot to plant lilacs is in

an area with full sun

(at least 6 to 8 hours per day)—give them too much shade and they may not bloom. Lilacs also like slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained soil.

Do lilacs grow fast?

Lilac growth can range from

12-24 inches yearly

; depending your growing environment and conditions. They are best grown in zones 3-7. Choosing a location: Lilacs can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but prefer 6 hours of sun for the best bloom.

How long does it take for a lilac bush to grow big?

Many species and countless cultivars offer different sizes — from 6-foot dwarf shrubs to 30-foot trees — as well as flower colors, fragrances and bloom times. According to Ron Smith of North Dakota State University Extension, it takes

two to three years

before a young lilac produces its first blooms.

Do lilacs come back year after year?

Most lilac bushes produce

blooms every year

but improper pruning can result in a lack of blooms the following year. The buds for the following year’s blooms are set soon after the bush is finished blooming so timing is very important when it comes to properly pruning lilac bushes.

Are coffee grounds good for lilacs?

Grass clippings and coffee grounds can be used as a good source of nitrogen. Use sparingly, as too much nitrogen in the soil will result in poor blooms. Lilacs grow best in

slightly alkaline

(6.5 to 7.0 pH), moist, well-drained soil. Adding bone meal to the soil can make it more alkaline.

Can I plant lilac next to House?

Root System on Lilac

Lilac roots

aren’t considered invasive

and as long as you leave enough space between the tree, or shrub, and the structure, there is little risk from planting lilacs near foundations. Lilac roots generally spread one and one-half times the width of the shrub. A distance of 12 feet (4 m.)

What is the difference between a lilac bush and a lilac tree?

To clear up any confusion,

there is no difference between a lilac bush and a lilac tree

, they are the same plant just called by different names. … Some lilacs flower two weeks earlier, including Syringa x hyacinthiflora varieties and these are often referred to as early flowering lilacs.

Are lilacs poisonous to dogs?

Are Lilacs Poisonous to Dogs? Lilacs do not contain any chemicals that will poison animals or humans, nor do they irritate the skin. … According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the Persian lilac (Melia azedarach) which is not related to true lilac,

is poisonous to dogs

.

Do lilacs spread?

Most flowering shrubs need regular pruning to keep them vibrant, and the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is no exception. … However, if left to grow and spread on their own, common lilacs

will eventually only flower on the tops of the uppermost branches

.

What month do you prune lilac bushes?

As a general rule for all lilacs, they should be pruned

immediately after they’re done flowering in the spring

. Since lilacs set next year’s flower buds right after the current year’s flowers have faded, pruning later in the summer or fall will result in cutting off many or all of next year’s flowers.

What month do lilacs bloom?

Lilacs will grow in spots with less sun but they won’t bloom as well. Speaking of blooms, if you’ve done everything else right then you can expect to see plenty of flowers blooming in

mid-Spring

, although other varieties bloom at different times.

How do you rejuvenate a lilac bush?

One way to renew a large, overgrown lilac is

to cut the entire plant back to within 6 to 8 inches of the ground in late winter

(March or early April). This severe pruning will induce a large number of shoots to develop during the growing season.

Can lilacs bloom twice a year?

Your reblooming lilacs are a great example of how nature triggers flowering. … Like you, I’ve observed lilacs blooming in September.

How long can lilacs live?

How long do lilac bushes live? They’re super-hardy and may

live 75 years or more

!

What do lilacs symbolize?

Lilacs symbolize

spring and renewal

, but they had other meanings in different cultures. The Celtics saw lilacs as magical, and they symbolized old love in the Victorian age. … White lilacs represent purity and innocence, while purple lilacs symbolize spirituality. Magenta lilacs symbolize love and passion.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.