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What is a Lilac
| What
is a Lilac |
| A
lilac is a deciduous, flowering shrub. Native to Europe and
Asia, a lilac plant can be naturalized just about anywhere in
the world that has the proper growing conditions. A lilac requires
full sunlight to grow, but will survive in very partial shade
at the expense of hindered flowering. Lilac plants also prefer
soil that is consistently moist and well drained, with a high
content of organic matter. |
The
flowers of a lilac are in large clusters at the end of woody
stems. Lilac plants have very fragrant flowers that can be
attractive to butterflies. The bloom period of a lilac shrub
begins some time between the middle of May through the end
of June. A lilac shrub will bloom for only a few weeks, but
this time can be extended by four to six weeks by planting
lilacs from different species together in the garden.
Lilac
plants generally need a location in the garden that has good
air circulation, but not any damaging wind, as they are fairly
brittle. Bunches of lilac plants should have space between
the plants in order for them to grow out, instead of up. Allowing
a lilac to grow out will increase the flowering, as well as
encourage flowering throughout the entire plant, as opposed
to just the top area.
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| If
more flowering is desired for the following year from a lilac
plant, spent blooms should be removed within one week of when
they are spent. This will allow the lilac plant to focus its
energy on creating more buds, and not seeds. As with any other
landscaping plant, pruning of a lilac should be done immediately
after the flowering period has ended. A lilac should be pruned
down gradually, sometimes over a period of years. Too much
pruning of a lilac at one time can have the effect of limiting
flower production for up to two years.
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