Lilac

Scientific Classification

Division:	Plantae
Order:	Scrophulariales
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Genus:	Syringa
Family:	Oleaceae

Photo by: Georgi Kunev

Lilac is a temperate tree, with a pale purple color,  and is a genus belonging to the olive family of plants.  It is similar to the lilac bushes. Lilac trees have wide trunks. And can grow to a height of thirty feet. These trees have a rounded and upright shape. The most common Lilac trees are the Japanese variety. The wood of this tree is easily damaged. Normally, it can easily survive for 100 years. The leaves of the lilac tree are heart-shaped and dark green in color. The colors of the flowers are white, yellow, pink, and purple.  Their roots spread horizontally from the ground and extend in all directions. The Lilac flowers are divided into seven colors – blue, lavender, violet, white, purple, magenta, and pink, though the purple flower of lilac is the most popular. Flowers can grow to large sizes. Lilac flowers add their fragrance to several personal care products like lotions, soap, and the like.

Anatomy

The leaves of the Lilac trees are heart shaped, hairless and dark green in color. Lilac trees have 20 different species. The leaves are very simple. Beautiful and elegant flowers of lilac are pleasant and enjoyable flowers. Lilac trees were discovered in Eastern Europe  in the early 1600s and  were bought by pioneers to North America. Their beautiful and attractive flowers are very popular in the world. Lilacs are mainly cultivated for their fragrance and flowers. The flowers of lilac are produced in spring season. And can grow in large panicles.

Habitat

Lilac trees are found in scattered places like Illinois.  In a colder climate, the more common purple lilac tree grows on rocky, dry slopes. It is a very hardy shrub in  the gardens of North America. Poor,  wet soil is not ideal for lilac and if other trees and shrubs are crowded,  it does not grow well. Having been introduced to North America earlier, now you can find them  in the gardens all around the continents. It is also found in the Europe,  Asia and the gardens of Romania.

Planting

Spring is the best season for planting Lilac trees. While planting,  the  soil has to be well-drained, fertile, with humus rich and alkaline to neutral. If the soil is not in good condition add compost to enrich it. Lilac trees need full sunlight. If it does not get sunlight, it will not bloom well. It will not bloom with too much of water either. It needs a balanced watering and a good air circulation.

Care

Photo by: Magnus Manske

Every spring season, apply a layer of compost under the plant. Mulch is also helpful in controlling weeds and to retain moisture. If lilac trees are over-fertilized,  they cannot bloom. Water is necessary during the summer season. Every six months,  trim these trees to shape them. Lilac needs regular pruning.

Watering

Lilac trees need water deeply from the base of the plant. It also needs water several times in a week. In the Lilac plants, water is absorbed by the roots, which helps it to circulate it to the whole plant, which keeps it hydrated.
When the color and fragrance of lilac are strong cut them at their peak.

Soil for Planting

Overuse of fertilizers is harmful to the soil as they make it porous. Lilac trees have pyramid cell clusters. Well-drained, neutral to alkaline (PH Between 6.5 to 7.0) is ideal for lilac plants.

Pests and Pesticides

During the summer season,  leaf miners can attack lilac trees and borers are its hot weather enemies, which are enough to break them. Frequent watering is helpful in dry weather. Failing this, some of the pests can damage the lilac tree.