Lilacs - Outdoors, Containers, or Indoors?





Lilacs (Syringa spp.) are one of the most popular outdoor plants here in Southern Alberta.Their beautiful purple flowers contrast nicely with their abundant leaves, and most people will agree that their easily recognizable scent is just amazing. They can also grow very large, flower often, and are a nice addition to any outdoor space. This makes them a favourite among many.

Lilacs grow well in zones 4 through 9, depending on their species -- There are approximately twelve recognized species of Lilac to date. Here in Calgary we are in zone 4a, and throughout most of the spring, you can’t walk down a neighbourhood street without seeing a lilac bush in someone’s yard. Although they are easy to grow, and happy outside, is it possible to grow them in a container? What about indoors?

Containers:

Generally, the types of lilacs we most commonly see  are only happy when they can spread their roots far out around them - much like most trees. This makes it difficult to keep them in containers, as root restriction will cause them not to bloom, and generally will stunt their growth. There are a few “mini” lilac varieties which may be grown in pots, such as the “Miss Kim” or “Dwarf Pixie” varieties.

Tips for growing small-variety Lilacs in Containers:

Container / Pot
The larger the better - these plants need room to stretch their legs
Strong and heavy weight 
Drainage holes are a must

Soil
Alkaline potting soil -- They can't handle acidic soil

Sunlight
At least six hours of direct sunlight a day

Water
Monitor closely and water when soil dries to a depth of 1 inch
Lilacs do not like to be continuously wet, so only water when the top is dry

Food
Fertilize using a 10-10-10 mixture every couple months

Other
When roots become too large for the container, root pruning will be required


Indoors:

Although some varieties of lilacs can be grown successfully in containers, and may even survive indoors under the right conditions, these plants are not well suited for living indoors. The large amount of space they require to spread out their roots is one aspect of what helps them grow large and bloom successfully. When they are limited to containers, and only receive minimal sunlight, they will generally become stunted and can’t bloom.



Sources:


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Poinsettia: How to keep it alive past Christmas

Image
Poinsettia are a gorgeous holiday plant that come in a variety of colors, and can add life to any Christmas display. Although they look amazing for a few weeks after bringing them home from the store, or receiving them as a gift, they tend to die off quickly without proper care. Purchase: If you plan on keeping your poinsettia for a long time, it is important to choose a healthy plant to begin with. Make sure there are no yellowing leave, no bugs, and there should be small yellowish buds in the middle of the "flower" (the bunch of red or white leaves that are the signature look of the poinsettia). Bringing it home: Poinsettias are very sensitive to cold temperatures, so if you live in a cold area, it is very important to protect your poinsettia while bringing it into the house. If possible, only purchase your plant on a warmer day without freezing temperatures or strong winds, and use a large box to transport it rather than a plastic bag. Plastic can actually cause
Read more

Lucky Bamboo Care

Image
In honor of Chinese New Year, here is a quick look at the Lucky Bamboo plant. This versatile little plant, paired with a beautiful vase, is often used as a decorative accent that can add color into any home. As a low-maintenance plant, it is perfect for people who want to add a bit of greenery to their home, without the commitment required by some other indoor plants. Care Tips: How much Sun? Lucky Bamboo plants enjoy lots of bright light, but they prefer to be out of direct sunlight, as it can burn their leaves. Although they can survive in quite low light, it may stunt their leaf growth & mute their coloring. How much Water? These plants are very versatile in the fact that they can be grown in either soil, or directly in water (generally with some type of loose gravel or large rocks for stability). When grown directly in water, ensure that their roots are completely covered by water at all times. It is also a good idea to change out the water every couple of weeks,
Read more