common lilac

Common lilac should be watered deeply twice a week during the growing season (April-August). Water enough to reach the root system and ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In the winter, reduce watering to once a month or when the soil appears dry. Lilac will need more water during extreme heat or drought. If soil is loose and moisture is draining quickly, then spreading mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture.

Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Monge') prefers full sunlight and does best with at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight per day. When growing in warmer climates with more sunshine, Common lilac may require more shade during hotter times of the day. In less sunny climates, it may do better with extra afternoon sunlight. The time of day when the Common lilac receives the most sunlight (morning or afternoon) is not as important as the amount of sunlight it receives.

Common lilacs are usually pruned during late winter or very early spring. For best growth, they should be pruned lightly and regularly; this helps to keep the shrub looking neat and attractive. Larger, more unruly specimen plants can be pruned back by up to 1-third their size. Pruning should be done when the shrub is slightly dormant, just before new growth begins in the spring. When pruning, focus on removing dead or diseased branches first, then remove any crossed or spindly branches, and finally trim the shape of the shrub. It's best to cut in natural curves along the plant's form. Avoid pruning back too drastically--cutting back too far can limit the potential for blooms.