The dwarf lilac, which is native to China, is convincing despite its small size compared to its conspecifics with its opulent flowers, those of the large lilac bushes in nothing is inferior.
Profile of the dwarf lilac
- Height: 1 to 1.50 meters
- Spread: 1 to 1.20 meters
- Growth habit: bushy
- Leaves: deciduous
- Leaf shape: elliptical
- Leaf color: green
- Flowering period: May to June
- Flower shape: panicles
- Flower color: purple, pink, white
- Toxicity: No.
Location requirements
The dwarf lilac has few requirements in terms of its location, which is why it can be cultivated in almost any location. The location should still be based on the natural occurrence, the barren mountain slopes of China. The soil substrate should therefore have a permeable consistency in order to avoid waterlogging that leads to root rot. In addition, a sufficient supply of nutrients is essential to achieve a high flower density. The selected place should also be sunny in order to unfold the full bloom of the dwarf lilac. In terms of temperatures, the ornamental lilac is very heat-tolerant and therefore does not require any special heat protection.
Tip: A water-impermeable soil can be loosened by the introduction of sand or drainage according to the needs of the dwarf lilac.
Planting partner
Due to its own abundant blossoms, the mini lilac should only be combined with plants that show their flowering phases earlier or later.
The additional use of the different heights of the individual flowers can be dense Create hedge arrangements that bloom colorfully and harmoniously throughout the year. Suitable plants for this would be:
- Weigela
- Scented Jasmine (each early bloomer)
- hydrangea
- hibiscus
- Ranunculus (both late bloomers)
planting
Since the dwarf lilac is one of the hardy plants, planting is generally possible all year round. In practice, however, planting in autumn before the first frost has proven its worth. The dug planting hole should be at least twice as large as the root ball. The filling of the hole is ideally done with the addition of compost, which ensures an optimal supply of nutrients. The pouring should only be done sparingly and in several stages.
Note: When planting several plants, a minimum distance of one meter should be maintained in order not to keep the space available for growth too tight.
Multiplication
The dwarf lilac can be propagated via seeds as well as cuttings. Basically, both variants are extremely promising, so that the choice can be made according to the premises of the individual gardener. When propagating, it must also be taken into account that the cutting of cuttings involves clones of the mother plant, whereas seeds can deviate extremely from this.
Reproduction via seeds follows the procedure below:
- Harvest the fruit clusters after flowering
- Sow seeds in a plant box and cover with soil
- Select a shady and cool place for wintering (cold germinator)
- Moderate watering from spring to stimulate germination
- Prick out at a size of five centimeters
- Transplant in autumn
In practice, multiplying by cuttings is significantly more time-saving than by sowing. Propagation via cuttings takes place by cutting an unwooded shoot from the mother plant. The grown leaves are removed to support root growth before the shoot is placed in a container with potting soil.
Pouring routine
In principle, the mini lilac is both moisture and drought tolerant, so that short periods of excessive or poor watering can be easily overcome. In terms of the extremes
However, if it is not very tolerant, it is important to ensure that it is watered regularly. When cultivating in a bucket, the watering is generally somewhat higher due to the limited amount of substrate, although the problem of waterlogging should not be neglected. The degree of moisture can be determined quickly and easily by examining the leaves of the ornamental lilac and the soil substrate.Note: Without the regular use of water, the lilacs will dry out even in winter. It is therefore necessary to irrigate lightly on frost-free days during this period as well.
Fertilization rules
The dwarf lilac prefers a balanced supply of nutrients, which requires regular fertilization. The easiest way to provide all vital substances is to use a slow release fertilizer that releases them consistently over several months. However, the fertilizer used should not contain any additional nitrogen, as this inhibits flower formation.
As a fertilizer with a long-term effect, the following means are particularly suitable:
- Horn shavings
- compost
- Mulch
Plants that have been planted in containers require a higher and more frequent fertilizer application, similar to irrigation. Due to the limited amount of soil, the use of liquid fertilizer is also recommended, which is added to the irrigation water.
cut
The bushy shape of the ornamental lilac, which is given by nature, usually does not require any additional large-scale pruning of the plant. Nevertheless, it can be appropriate to regularly cut the plant into shape after flowering by specifically cutting dead and internally growing shoots. The time to perform the topiary is very short, however, as the buds for next year's flowering are already formed in autumn.
- Decrease in withered flowers and leaves
- Exclusively shortening the excessively long protrusions
- Cut back to a pair of leaves or a bud
For the clearing cut, the cut between January and February has proven itself in practice, after which no frost should be announced for several days. The optimal weather for uncomplicated healing of the interfaces should be cloudy, as excessive sunlight or rain prevent the wound from closing.
Even if the mini lilac shows itself to be extremely easy to cut, one can be too radical Clearance cut lead to a one-year bloom break, as the branches together with the buds that have already formed removed. These shoots should therefore remain untouched if possible during the clearing cut.
- Predominantly shorten frozen and kinked branches
- Reduce the length of the branch to a maximum of ten centimeters
- It is better to cut back only to the beginning of the healthy area
wintering
The dwarf lilac is one of the hardy plants and can be overwintered both outdoors and in pots. Depending on
However, it may be necessary to set up additional protective mechanisms at the location. Plants that are kept in pots should also be given additional protection, as the soil must urgently be prevented from freezing through. In the worst case, this leads to the death of the roots and thus the entire plant.Suitable materials for covering the floor or of the planter are:
- straw
- brushwood
- Mulch
- Styrofoam
- wood
- jute
Care errors
The most common disease that dwarf lilac can fall into is root rot, which is caused by excessive watering or watering. a location that is too humid is created. The bacteria and fungi responsible for the disease prefer wet and cool locations in the subsoil to multiply by means of spores. Due to the deposition on the roots of the plant, these weaken the growth and also deprive the plant of nutrients. Plants that have withered and discolored leaves despite adequate watering should be checked for root rot.
- Excavation of the shrub
- Radical cut of the rotten root areas
- Careful cutting of the other root segments
- Air drying of the root ball (1 day)
- Transplanted to a new location
- Suspension of watering for two weeks
Aphids and mealybugs
The infestation by aphids and mealybugs mainly affects plants that have been around for a long time Were exposed to nutrient deficiencies and therefore no self-protection effect due to the weak immune system own more. The lice feed on the vital sap that they extract from the leaves, causing them to dry up and curl up. During the suction process, the mealybugs secrete white webs that wrap around the brown leaves.
In addition to the use of an insecticide, the use of the alternative treatment options mentioned below has also become established in practice.
- Cleaning with a powerful jet of water
- Spraying the plant with a mixture of milk and water (ratio 1: 8)
- Cleaning the leaves with soapy water and alcohol (ratio 100: 1.5)
Lilac moth
The lilac moth is a species-specific pest that mainly affects lilac bushes. The clinical picture includes brown leaves covered in leaf miners in spring, which rot and die over time. A specifically effective pesticide against the lilac moth is not known to date. It is therefore advisable to thoroughly search the plants to be purchased for possible pests when purchasing them. Generalized insecticides can be used, but they also damage beneficial insect species.
A more environmentally friendly disposal is exemplified as follows:
- Look for the inch-sized insects
- Removing the insects from the infested plant
- Generously cut back the affected branches to a length of ten centimeters