Planting Lilacs from Monrovia
Adding one type of bush, shrub, tree, or plant can totally transform a space.
I love lilacs and have enjoyed growing them for many years. At my farm, I have an allée of lilac hedges that explodes with gorgeous, sweet-smelling flower clusters every May. Not long ago, as part of a delivery of plants from the wholesale nursery, Monrovia, I received 100 Little Darling® Lilacs. This variety is perfect for smaller spaces. It stays more compact, about four feet tall, and it re-blooms - one big flush in spring and then another in autumn. I decided to plant them around my studio guest house mixed in with the pachysandra - they'll add beautiful purple-lilac color to the beds.
Enjoy these photos.
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- This is my lilac allée located behind my chicken coops and near my tennis court. This allée bursts with superlative color every spring. Lilacs are easy to grow, and can reach from four to 20-feet tall or more depending on the variety.
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- This is a collection of Little Darling® Lilacs exclusively grown by Monrovia. All 100 are in such excellent condition. I decided to plant them near the lilac allée around my studio guest house.
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- The area is at the edge of my Japanese Maple woodland and gets full sun for at least six hours of the day – perfect for lilacs.
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- My head gardener, Ryan McCallister, is in charge of placing plants in their planting locations. Since these lilacs are more compact, they are positioned about three to four feet apart. Before digging the holes, the distance between each plant is measured accurately and the pots are lined up straight.
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- The plants will look nice as a border for the pachysandra and smell so sweet when in bloom.
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- Once all the plants are in place, the digging begins.
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- Any pachysandra that needs to be moved is carefully transplanted elsewhere – no plants are ever wasted here at my farm.
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- When planting, the hole should be at least twice the size of the plant. Lilacs thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. For best growth, the soil should also be enriched with organic matter.
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- Lilacs have green foliage and a slender, upright growth habit.
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- Lilac leaves are simple, opposite, ovate, about two to four inches long, and usually shaped like elongated hearts.
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- As with any new specimen, before it is planted the root ball is scarified. Essentially, one breaks up small portions of the root ball to loosen the roots a bit and create some beneficial injuries. This helps the plant become established more quickly in its new environment. Arnold does this to the bottom of the root ball.
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- He also does this on the sides. these roots will be more happy loosened up after being in the pot.
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- Remember what I always say, “if you eat, so should your plants.” Fertilizer is mixed in with the soil.
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- I feed with Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed Plant Food – a dependable fertilizer that feeds for up to three months.
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- The planting depth for most lilac varieties is approximately two inches above the crown. This allows for any gradual settling of soil around the roots once watered.
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- Arnold carefully backfills the lilacs and tamps the surrounding soil lightly for good contact.
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- The lilacs look so pretty with the pachysandra. When choosing companion plants for pachysandra, consider bloom time, texture, and growth habits to complement the color and shape of the pachysandra.
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- Here’s Chhiring giving all the newly planted lilacs a thorough drink. We did get a lot of rain the night before, but we’re expecting very hot and humid weather for the next few days. Check your plants – they can dry up so quickly in summer.
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- I use Gilmour hoses, wands and sprinklers all over the farm. I especially like that its hoses are gray, but all Gilmour supplies are dependable and durable.
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- Little Darling® Lilacs will flower with large clusters of dark-purple buds and then open to classic lilac-hue blooms.
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- These plants are just a foot tall now, but in general, lilacs typically grow about six to 12 inches each year. I’ll be sure to share more photos when they are flowering. Keep following my blog for gardening tips and ideas.
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