How far apart are you suppose to plant lilac bushes from each other? How big around do they actually get?
Answers:
Since you obviously want these lilacs to grown quickly and vigorously, there are four basic rules for lilac care; provide good soil, good drainage, plenty of sunlight and frequent pruning.
Sunlight
Lilacs require a minimum of four hours of direct, daily sunlight. The amount of sunlight dictates the appearance, color, and quantity of bloom. Too much sunlight is better than not enough.
Drainage
Good drainage is characterized by the soil’s ability to retain sufficient moisture to nourish the root system while still being able to drain off excess moisture.
Lilacs do not thrive in soggy soil. Try digging a hole about 8 in. in diameter by about 12 in. deep and filling it with water. If the water has not drained after 1 hour, consider finding another site or improving the drainage at the present site.
To improve drainage:
1. Remove the topsoil from the actual planting site (an area equal to 2 to 3 times the lilac’s soil ball/root system)
2. Mix sand and/or fine gravel 6 in. to 10 in. deep into the subsoil (not the topsoil)
3. Mix the topsoil with peat, vermiculite or any other porous additive to cover the root system once the lilac is planted
Planting
The planting hole should be generous enough to easily accommodate the lilac root system. Adding peat moss or compost is recommended. Bone-meal or ground limestone may also be added to reduce the acidity of the soil. An inexpensive soil test kit from any hardware or home improvement center, or plant center will determine that for you.
When planting, place the top of the soil ball level with the surface of the hole. If the lilac is bare-root, the top layer of roots should be a few inches below the surface. When backfilling, it is important to water well, but do not flood, and avoid compacting the soil around the root system. The idea is to remove air pockets, yet keep the soil well aerated.
If the only available site is always moist or collects rain water that remains for extended periods, lilacs should be mound-planted. This is a more involved, but successful planting solution.
Remember to water your lilacs regularly throughout the summer. During the dry season, water more frequently, keeping the leaves pert, not limp. This is when added mulch will pay off.
Fertilization
Fertilizing can be done each spring, though once every 2 to 3 years is usually sufficient, by lightly adding a general (5-10-5) fertilizer to the soil around the drip line of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is mandatory for continued vitality and managed growth. Removing spent blooms will enhance the general appearance of the lilac. Pruning should be done within a few weeks after blooming stops for the season. This process should focus on the removal of thin suckers and declining stems. Of course, any diseased or infected branches should be eliminated. The rule of thumb is to remove 1/4 to 1/3 of the older wood per year keeping the bulk of the bloom at eye level.
Overwintering
Lilacs are very hardy and don’t require any special precautions for winter. It is recommended, however, to protect the trunk of the lilac; lilac bark makes a good meal for hungry rodents.
Hope this helps, and good luck, they are beautiful and fragrant!
Other answers:
When I planted mine, it said at least three feet, but they are growing very close together now. I would say at least four feet.
When I planted mine, it said at least three feet, but they are growing very close together now. I would say at least four feet.
Plant them 3-5 feet apart. I know it seems like a long way apart but they get fairly large. They will grow at least five feet tall and same with width.
Good luck!
these bushes can actually grow about 7 feet.
depending on how soon you want it to look full is how close together you plant. i recomend at least 3 to 4 feet apart.
trim every year, that will make them bush out more. trimming in the late spring.
It all depends on the varietal of the lilac...some don't grow that big, or wide, etc. Figure out which kind you have, and consult a local nursery - or look it up online.
You have to find out what variety you have and get the diameter for that variety.
Common Old fashioned French Lilac is 8 - 10 feet wide and planted 10 - 12 feet apart. You can prune it after every flowering, but not hedge-trim it. You probably don't want a hedge that looks chopped up most of the time, though.
There are many dwarf lilacs in the 4 - 6 foot range. They are all generally as wide as they are tall.
if you like lilacs you should see a weeping lilac tree...they are GORGOUS!