Lilacs In Containers

Lilacs in containers are suited to the smallest gardens and to rooftops, decks and balconies. The smallest container lilacs are bonsai.

Choose a dwarf or small lilac for your container. The best container varieties include S. meyeri, S. oblata subsp. dilatata, S. patula, S. pubescens and dwarf forms of S. vulgaris such as  purple 'Minuet,' pink-magenta 'Little Miss Muffet,' bluish 'Munchkin', single white 'Pixie' and purple 'Prairie Petite' and 'Purple Gem,' all singles. The dwarf lilacs are as floriferous as their larger cousins, and some are fragrant. One of the most fragrant, S. pubescens subsp. microphylla will grow well in a cool greenhouse, where it flowers about six weeks earlier than it would outdoors.

Use a strong, attractive container that has drainage holes. The larger the container, the better insulated from extremes of heat and cold the roots will be, the less danger there will be of roots overheating or freezing, and the less often you'll have to water. Stay away from black plastic, which absorbs so much heat that roots could burn. Situate your pot before filling, planting and watering it, as it will be heavy afterward. Place the container where it will receive at least six hours of sun a day, use good topsoil, and remember to water whenever the soil is dry an inch (2.5 cm) below the surface. Don't water until the surface dries out, as the dwarfs are especially intolerant of constant wetness.

In warmer zones, lilacs in containers can be left outdoors year-round, but where winters are more severe, the roots may be damaged by the cold. Either remove the lilac from the container and heel it into the garden for the winter or bury the lilac container in soil, leaves or straw. Don't bring the lilac indoors, because the flower buds need cold to mature.

COMMENTS

From Molly - Mar-22-2012

I have grown a Mademoiselle Lemoine lilac in a container for at least 8 years. It has been in mostly shade on the west side of the house. I originally meant to plant it and have since moved twice so I am happy to have it with me. It has bloomed in its pot every year without adding fertilizer. Now it is root bound and will be transplanted. The lilac is a beautiful, 7 ft tall, white double flowered bush with an unique light scent.

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