Lilacs and other spring blooming shrubs can sometimes be tricked into re-blooming when warm fall weather comes after a cool down, or after a … This Australian native is known by different common names with Purple Lilac Vine(Hardenbergia violacea) being commonly used in our area of the Southwest.. They do well in full sun and once established are relatively maintenance free. Lilacs bloom best in full sunlight, or at least a half-day of sun. Do Not Over-water Lilacs. For you to obtain the best results with Lilacs, you should consider the following: Lilacs do best in FULL SUN. Most lilacs bloom … Lilacs are so wonderful. Sometimes the shade creeps up over the years as nearby shade trees grow taller and fuller. Most lilacs need a long period of winter chill for buds to mature and bloom the following spring. (mine in almost full sun, get just a little late day sun) They do not like wet feet. A position in full sun is best, this will improve flowering as well as intensify the fragrance. Choose a clematis type that blooms mid- or late-season and bursts into bloom after your lilac. We had an especially lovely display this year because of the rain. It is not actually a lilac, but because we cannot grow lilacs in the low desert, this is a wonderful substitute. Lilacs are hardy and easily grown in well-drained, sandy and gravelly, preferably slightly alkaline soil. New lilac plants should begin blooming within two to five years. To extend the season of interest of your lilac, grow clematis with different bloom times through its branches to add color and glamour to the shrub. When they’re in a location that’s shaded all day, lilacs rarely bloom at all. (That what I did!) Flowers can range in color from pink to purple; however, white and yellow varieties are also available. Lilacs grow 12 to 18 inches each year. Once they begin blooming, prune yearly for the best flower production. How quickly do lilac trees grow? (my soil don't drain) They like a sweet soil. But with lilacs, the only time deadheading seems to help them bloom better is during the first few years of growth. While the plants are young, deadheading the spent flowers helps to direct the plant's energy into setting more buds. Then, in the spring or fall, choose a spot that has good air circulation and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Lilacs range from dwarf varieties up to 8 feet (2.5 m.) tall or larger growing ones that … To keep it in a pot, you will have to keep it pruned back. Isn’t it beautiful? They can add a good source of shade or privacy when planted as a hedgerow. Here in southern California (between LA and San Diego) they are VERY hard to grow because lilacs like a winter chill. However, we have a few “French Hybrids” that do relatively well and bloom from Mid February to early March depending on the weather. If your soil is in poor condition, add compost to enrich. After flowering, most lilacs offer limited interest. Anything less will mean fewer flowers developing. pH 6.0 - … To grow lilacs, start by picking a variety of lilac to grow, such as Superba lilacs, which grow into 5 to 6-foot bushes, or Syringa reticulata, if you want 20 to 30-foot trees. Once fully grown, lilacs typically reach 15 feet high and 10 feet wide, forming an irregular bush. Lilacs prefer a humus rich moist, but well drained soil. Lilacs thrive in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil (at a pH near 7.0). Plant in a well drained soil. They perform best when planted in a position in sun or light shade. Good drainage is essential, these are a plant that will suffer in wet boggy soils. For strong bloom, lilacs require full sun—at least 6 hours—or they will … Learn more about soil amendments and preparing soil for planting.