If you have autumn lilacs in your garden, you can always look forward to a second flowering after the main flowering of the shrub. Due to its delicate growth size, this lilac is also suitable for smaller gardens.
The beautiful autumn lilac (Syringa microphylla) not only enchants its owners with its extraordinarily long flowering period, but is also an ideal source of pollen and nectar for many insects. In this article you will learn more about the characteristics and requirements of the easy-care shrub.
Autumn lilac: origin, flowering time and characteristics
The ornamental tree is also sometimes referred to as dwarf lilac, small-leaved lilac or lilac that blooms more often. The autumn lilac has its origins in China and belongs to the olive tree family (Oleaceae). A characteristic feature of the deciduous shrub is its growth height, which at 1.5 to 2 meters is significantly lower than that of other lilac species. The growth of the autumn lilac is bushy and densely branched. In old age it is usually wider than high. The flowering period can last until October, but the main flowering period is in May and June. From this point on, the perennial shrub is adorned with flowers on the biennial wood, which are arranged in panicles about 7 centimeters long, until early autumn. The leaves of the autumn lilac are medium green, ovate to broadly oval and are opposite on the branches. The intense fragrance that the flowers exude is not only pleasant for humans: it also attracts bees, butterflies and other insects. Temperatures down to about - 20 °C do not bother the hardy autumn lilac. It tolerates different locations without complaint and works best when planted individually, but also fits into a flowering hedge.
Autumn lilac varieties: The best known and oldest variety is Syringa microphylla 'Superba'. Its lilac-pink colored flowers appear in abundance between the light green leaves. The cultivar 'Dark Purple' usually stays at 1.5meters high, even smaller and rounder. Its flowers are dark purple. The third well-known variety is called 'Rosea' and accordingly sports bright pink flowers.
Plant autumn lilacs
The autumn lilac prefers a sunny to half-shady and preferably wind-protected location. The soil is optimally nutrient-rich and permeable. If the substrate is very sandy, it can be improved with 40 to 70 liters of potting compost. Autumn lilacs are best planted out either in early autumn or late spring to avoid frost and drought damage. If it is particularly warm at the time of planting, care should be taken to ensure a good water supply during the growth phase so that the soil does not dry out. In addition, a planting distance of at least 1.5 to 2 meters ensures that the ornamental trees can develop freely. The plant should not be planted deeper in the pot than before, after which the soil is firmly trampled all around.
Tip: Due to its size, the autumn lilac is also suitable as a container plant. However, when planting, a pot that is as high as possible should be chosen, as the shrub is a deep rooter. If there are holes in the pot to allow excess irrigation water to drain, then no additional drainage layer is needed. Fill the pot with soil that provides your autumn lilacs with sufficient nutrients, such as our Plantura organic universal soil. This contains 100% natural raw materials, is also peat-free and ensures vital and strong plants. The soil in the pot should be replaced with new one every two to three years.
Propagation: Propagation via root cuttings in autumn is promising. To do this, 5 cm long pieces of root are cut out of the bale. The pieces should be slightly thicker than pencils. These are now placed in pots with the top side up and placed at around 15 °C.
It is also possible to propagate the lilac by cuttings. To do this, cut non-blooming, non-woody, 20 cm long head cuttings with about three leaf nodes from your lilac in May or June. The foliage is then removed from the lower part of each cutting. Now the shoot can be placed in a potting soil-sand mixture up to the first remaining pair of leaves, which must be watered regularly. AroundTo ensure successful rooting, the use of a rooting hormone is recommended. At a temperature of 15 °C, however, rooting usually takes six to eight weeks. By putting a plastic bag over it, a warm, humid microclimate can be created, which is conducive to rooting. However, regular ventilation should be ensured.
Tip: Lilacs often form root suckers by themselves, so they form shoots on roots that run close to the surface. These can also be simply cut off in autumn and replanted directly.
The most important care measures
The care of the autumn lilac requires little effort. The shrub has a medium water requirement, so it only needs to be watered moderately. In dry periods, however, you should pay more attention to an adequate water supply.
If necessary, the shrub can be thinned out by removing old or transverse shoots close to the ground in late winter or early spring. Otherwise, regular removal of the withered flower spikes can stimulate further flower growth. To provide the autumn lilac with additional nutrients, some organic fertilizer or compost can be incorporated in the spring.
At a glance:
- Supply with sufficient water
- Incorporate compost or organic fertilizer in spring
- Remove wilted flower spikes regularly
- Pruning out in late winter as needed
Tip: Particularly potted plants depend on a good and regular supply of nutrients, as they only access a smaller volume of soil as a nutrient source. Therefore, fertilize potted plants once or twice a year. A flower fertilizer with sufficient phosphorus content is suitable for this, also because this is required for the formation of flowers. For example, our Plantura organic flower fertilizer contains a sufficient amount of phosphorus and also enough potassium to prepare the lilacs in the pot for drought and cold. Because it is a slow release granular fertilizer, it can be mixed into the soil initially when planting or spread under the mulch on the root ball.
Is the autumn lilac poisonous?
Basically, all parts of a lilac plant are slightly poisonous. Adults would have to be larger thoughEat large amounts to notice some of the consequences. However, even small amounts can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea in children and pets.
If you already have a lilac in your garden, you should know how to care for it. In our special article we explain exactly what needs to be considered when pruning your lilacs.