Dwarf lilac – planting and care
Lilacs, with their beautiful colors and delightful fragrance, are a sure and eagerly awaited sign of spring for many of us. The characteristic clusters of beautiful purple flowers adorn many gardens, and in dwarf form, lilacs are also perfect for flower beds or pots on a balcony or terrace.
Scientific name (Latin): Syringa meyeri
Family: Syringa genus (Oleaceae)
Tips for planting and caring for dwarf lilacs
- Placement
The dwarf lilac is a hardy plant that thrives best in sunny spots, but it also does well in slightly more shaded areas. - Soil
Dwarf lilacs prefer nutrient-rich soil, so regular planting soil works well. If you're planting the dwarf lilac in a pot for a balcony, patio, or glassed-in veranda, be mindful of watering and ensure there's enough space in the pot. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and well-drained to prevent the lilac from sitting in excess water. - Fertilizer
For fertilizing the dwarf lilac, we recommend using regular manure fertilizer. - Pruning
The dwarf lilac should be pruned between July and September, and again in the spring. This is a good time to ensure it has the best possible growing conditions. Prune by removing old and dead branches and cutting them down to fresh wood.
Dwarf lilac – for small gardens
Not all gardens are the same size. Many have small and compact gardens, which can feel like a limitation, especially when it comes to growing larger plants. A classic plant like the lilac bush is an example of something that doesn’t fit well in a small garden, as it thrives best when it can grow and spread out freely. However, it is still possible to enjoy both the sight and, most importantly, the fragrance of the lilac. With a dwarf lilac, which doesn’t grow higher than one meter and has a spread of up to one and a half meters, there is space even in small gardens or on a patio or balcony in a pot.
Appearance and characteristics
The dwarf lilac has a round and compact growth habit, becoming almost ball-shaped. If you don’t want to plant the dwarf lilac in a bed or a pot, you can place it in the garden as a smaller, yet still striking, splash of color. The leaves of the dwarf lilac are dark green, and the purple flowers grow in clusters of fragrant, beautiful small blooms. The lilac usually begins to bloom around the transition from May to June, marking an important sign of spring for many.
Fun facts
- The dwarf lilac originates from China.
- Lilac flowers are great for making syrup or using in baked goods.
- Hardy up to hardiness zone H6.
- Blooms both in early and late summer.
- Has existed in Scandinavia since the 1600s.
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