Common Lilac Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine' (d)

Water

The common lilac, specifically the 'Madame Lemoine' variety, should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, which typically implies using about 1 gallon of water per session for a young plant. Established lilacs require watering once a week during dry spells, but newly planted or young lilacs may need watering twice a week until they are established. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, apply water directly to the base of the plant. During the rainy season or in cooler climates, less frequent watering may be necessary, while more frequent watering may be needed in very hot or windy conditions.

Light

The common lilac, including the 'Madame Lemoine' variety, thrives in full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. It prefers a spot where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day to encourage the best blooming. Avoid placing it in deep shade or overly bright, reflected light, as these conditions can hamper flower production and overall health.

Temperature

The common lilac, including 'Madame Lemoine', is hardy and adaptable to various temperature conditions, but performs best when the temperature stays within a range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit without significant damage. The ideal conditions for the common lilac include a period of winter chill to ensure a vibrant blooming season.

Pruning

The common lilac, including 'Madame Lemoine', should be pruned immediately after flowering finishes to shape the plant and remove spent blooms, a process known as deadheading. Pruning helps encourage blooms for the following year, as lilacs flower on old wood. Remove any dead or diseased branches to maintain plant health, and thin out crowded areas to increase air circulation.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine') grows best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix with equal parts of loam, peat moss, and well-aged compost or manure will create an ideal growing medium that keeps moisture while also providing good drainage.

Repotting

Common lilacs (Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine') are typically not repotted as they are large shrubs best suited for outdoor gardens. In the rare case they are container-grown, repotting should occur when the plant is root-bound or every few years to refresh the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Common lilacs (Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine') are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity. They thrive in ambient outdoor humidity and do not need additional humidity control when grown in their preferred environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool temperatures, and well-drained soil.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, start from a healthy young plant.

• Hardiness zone

  3-7 USDA

Life cycle

The common lilac 'Madame Lemoine' begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in soil when the conditions of warmth and moisture are right. As a seedling, it establishes a basic root system and sprouts its first leaves, relying on energy reserves from the seed until it can photosynthesize. During the vegetative stage, the lilac experiences rapid growth of foliage and root systems, and annually develops woody stems that can endure for many years. Flower buds form on the lilac in the late summer, but they remain dormant through the fall and winter, breaking dormancy in the spring to bloom with fragrant white double flowers. After pollination, typically by bees, the flowers produce seed capsules which ripen, release seeds, and perpetuate the cycle. Throughout its life, the 'Madame Lemoine' lilac will enter periods of dormancy each winter, resuming active growth with the return of warmer spring temperatures.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: The Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine', commonly known as Common Lilac, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are usually taken in late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender and green, but the wood is beginning to mature. The most popular method of propagating the Common Lilac is to select healthy shoots and cut sections of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length, making sure each cutting has at least a couple of leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should then be kept moist and in a warm, indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the new lilac plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.