Syringa

The genus Lilac (Syringa) unites about 30 deciduous shrubby species with a height of 1.5-2 to 4-5 m and a thick crown diameter of up to 3 m. The leaves are opposite, with a sharp tip, glossy. In cultivated varieties and hybrids, numerous simple, double and semi-double, very fragrant decorative flowers from white to yellow, pink and red in color with various shades to purple and lavender are collected in loose wide inflorescences-panicles. Grow mainly common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) and some resistant Canadian hybrids, which are characterized by unpretentiousness to environmental conditions and resistance to fungal infections. They are obtained from crossing elite hybrids, for example, Preston lilac (s. x prestoniae), characterized by large leaves and flowers of numerous shades from pink to purplish-red.

The genus Lilac (Syringa) unites about 30 deciduous shrubby species with a height of 1.5-2 to 4-5 m and a thick crown diameter of up to 3 m. The leaves are opposite, with a sharp tip, glossy. In cultivated varieties and hybrids, numerous simple, double and semi-double, very fragrant decorative flowers from white to yellow, pink and red in color with various shades to purple and lavender are collected in loose wide inflorescences-panicles.

Grow mainly common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) and some resistant Canadian hybrids, which are characterized by unpretentiousness to environmental conditions and resistance to fungal infections. They are obtained from crossing elite hybrids, for example, Preston lilac (s. x prestoniae), characterized by large leaves and flowers of numerous shades from pink to purplish-red.

Cultivation

Usually, lilacs are grown in the open ground in the garden. Young plants and some low-growing varieties can be kept for 3-4 years even in a pot on the balcony, but then in October-November they should be transplanted into organic-rich soil.

Location

Prefers to grow in the open sun, but feels quite well in partial shade.

Temperature

Lilac tolerates both heat and cold well, and the optimal air temperature is 18-20 °C.

Watering

The formed plant practically does not need watering. Young potted specimens should be watered regularly in the summer.

Reproduction

Usually use cuttings from lateral semi-woody or green herbaceous (the latter is for Canadian hybrids) shoots. In addition, vaccinations are made for botanical species or privet (Ligustrum. sp.), but only specialists can do this. In addition, in the culture of lilac propagated by rooted layers and seeds. It is recommended to buy in nurseries in the form of 2-3-year-old plants. The distance when planting between plants should be 1.5-3 m.

Usually use cuttings from lateral semi-woody or green herbaceous (the latter is for Canadian hybrids) shoots. In addition, vaccinations are made for botanical species or privet (Ligustrum. sp.), but only specialists can do this. In addition, in the culture of lilac propagated by rooted layers and seeds.

It is recommended to buy in nurseries in the form of 2-3-year-old plants. The distance when planting between plants should be 1.5-3 m.

Diseases

The fungus Phytophthora infestans causes rotting shoots and falling leaves. Spots that sometimes appear on the leaves may be associated with Ascochita syringae, however, black spots can be triggered by the appearance of the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. It is extremely difficult to cure a plant of these diseases, so it is more important to prevent them: plant only healthy species, observe the necessary growing conditions. Treatment with copper-containing drugs and fungicides can stop the spread of the disease. The defeat of worms leads to wilting of the plant and contributes to the appearance of blueberries; in this case, an anticoccidal treatment is necessary.

The fungus Phytophthora infestans causes rotting shoots and falling leaves. Spots that sometimes appear on the leaves may be associated with Ascochita syringae, however, black spots can be triggered by the appearance of the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. It is extremely difficult to cure a plant of these diseases, so it is more important to prevent them: plant only healthy species, observe the necessary growing conditions. Treatment with copper-containing drugs and fungicides can stop the spread of the disease.

The defeat of worms leads to wilting of the plant and contributes to the appearance of blueberries; in this case, an anticoccidal treatment is necessary.

Acquisition

Plants in pots or with a lump of earth can be purchased in gardening centers or directly in nurseries from autumn to spring. Buy 2-3-year-old specimens propagated by cuttings, layering, or grafted.