lilac

Water your lilac (Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla) deeply and regularly. In warm weather, lilacs need to be watered at least once a week for the best blooms in spring and summer. Where more rainfall is limited, water your lilac deeply about once every 2 weeks. Make sure to check the soil moisture levels first. If the soil feels dry 1–2 inches below the surface, it's time to water. Avoid allowing your lilacs to sit in wet soil as this can cause root rot.

Lilac plants require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, and prefer to receive light for 8-10 hours, depending on the climactic zone they are planted in. In tropical sites, lilacs should receive 8 hours of sunshine and partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. For colder climates, 8-10 hours of direct sun is ideal. Additionally, the angle of the sun is important for lilacs to thrive: full sun in the morning and afternoon with a slight shade for the hottest hours is ideal. Lilacs placed too far away from the sun, or on the shady side of a building, might not bloom fully or even at all.

Generally, Lilac plants should be pruned in late winter or early spring before any new growth begins, depending on the climate. It is important to prune the Lilac at this time as it will reduce potential damage from winter frost damage as well as maintain an aesthetically pleasing shape during flowering. When pruning, it's important to remember that Lilac responds well to light, selective pruning. Removing only dead, diseased or broken branches will help maintain an attractive, healthy shape. The remaining stems should be pruned as little as possible; taking care to not cut off any buds or flower clusters. Older shrubs may need more extensive pruning to rejuvenate them, including the removal of older canes and branches and the thinning of new canes. Pruning should be done annually to avoid the need for drastic pruning later on which can reduce the quality and number of flowers.