Lilac, which is commonly known as lilac, is not only an ornamental plant but also a deciduous shrub or tree.

The lilac's blossoms typically grace the landscape during spring and summer, usually flowering between May and June each year.

Unlike many other flowers, lilacs do not bloom year-round; their blooms are a seasonal delight. They typically flower once a year during spring and early summer, with a relatively short flowering period.

However, some smaller-leaved lilac varieties can exhibit a second bloom in late summer or early autumn, usually in August or September.

The journey from sowing lilac seeds to the first flowering is a lengthy one. Transplanted lilac seedlings generally take around 2 to 3 years to grow and establish themselves.

Achieving the first flowering can take even longer, typically around 4 to 5 years, although some plants might produce a limited number of flowers as early as their third year.

Caring for lilacs requires attention to specific factors to ensure their health and vitality.

Here are some essential care tips:

Lilacs exhibit a moderate degree of drought tolerance, but this does not mean they can be left without water for extended periods. It's best to water them moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering.

Lilacs thrive in full sunlight, making it crucial to place them in direct light during their growth and flowering. A sunny balcony or a spot with plenty of natural light is ideal for their cultivation.

Lilacs have a preference for relatively warm temperatures, thriving in environments with temperatures between 15-25°C. Special attention should be given to providing shade and warmth during the extremes of summer and winter. Adequate air circulation is also essential to prevent pest and disease issues.

Lilac is a beloved plant that has gained worldwide popularity and is now cultivated in temperate regions across the globe. There are more than 1,000 lilac cultivars, and they can be propagated through various methods such as sowing, cutting, grafting, pressing, and dividing.

Transplanting bare-root lilacs should be done after the leaves have fallen, choosing fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny location for planting. It's advisable to transplant 3 to 4-year-old seedlings, with a strong pruning, typically cutting them back to around 30 cm from the ground.

Annual attention to watering, fertilization, and pruning is essential to ensure abundant spring blooms.

Lilac seedlings grown from seeds may not retain the exact traits of the parent plant, often producing new flower colors. Seeds require stratification and are typically sown in the following spring.

Summer cuttings using shoots yield a high survival rate. Grafting is the primary method of propagation, with small-leaved chaste trees often used as rootstock in North China, while other varieties are chosen in East and South China, based on local growth conditions.

Lilac has a rich history of cultivation spanning over a thousand years. These plants, with their beautiful, dense branches, fragrant blooms, and unique aroma, are widely planted in gardens, institutions, factories, residential areas, and various public spaces.

They are often arranged in clusters in front of buildings, around tea pavilions, or along garden paths and lawns. Specialized gardens featuring different lilac varieties create stunning, fragrant landscapes, and lilacs can also be potted for cut flowers and decorative purposes.

Lilacs can be susceptible to diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses, particularly during hot and humid summer conditions. Common ailments include wilting disease, leaf blight, and chlorosis. In addition to diseases, lilacs can also fall prey to various pests like caterpillars, stinging moths, leaf miner moths, and large hornets.

Control measures should be implemented to protect these beautiful plants.

Excessively humid conditions can lead to root rot in lilacs, which can hinder their growth and even cause them to wither and die.

Common lilac pests include the antler aspen, which can damage branches and trunks, as well as pests like the Demoiselle moth, spiny moth, and aphids that affect the shoots and leaves. To combat these pests, a 40% Rogaine solution, diluted 1500 times, can be used for effective spraying.