Fragrant, flowering lilacs are familiar harbingers of the coming summertime throughout the world's temperate zones. Though lilacs are commonly associated with gardens in the eastern United States, their requirement for excellent drainage in a neutral to slightly alkaline soil makes them especially appropriate candidates for many gardens in the western part of the country too. Heat-tolerant Persian lilacs expand the lilac-growing range, thriving not only wherever common lilacs have adapted but also in warmer climes.
Depending on rainfall, new plants need to be watered weekly through the first growing season. A slow, one-hour trickle of water should do the job. During hot spells thoroughly soaking the ground up to 8â (20 cm) every few days is better than watering a little bit daily. Deep watering encourages roots to grow further into the ground resulting in a sturdier plant with more drought tolerance.
A minimum of six hours of bright sunlight daily is required for blooming. A bright sun room with a southern or western exposure may provide the requisite light
Established trees should be fertilized every 2-3 years. Feed in early spring when plants start growing.Fertilizers are available in many forms: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic. Determine which application method is best for the situation and select a product designed for trees and shrubs, or go with a nutritionally balanced, general-purpose formula such as 10-10-10.
Only spent blossoms and old, dead or diseased wood should be removed when pruning, since flowers for the following season form on the current year's healthy wood.
