Common Lilac Syringa vulgaris 'Michel Buchner' (d)
ABOUT
The 'Michel Buchner' lilac is known for its strikingly beautiful flowers and lush foliage. Its blooms are abundant and eye-catching, characterized by a double-flower form which gives them a luxuriant, full appearance. The blossoms come in a charming shade of light purple with a hint of blue, which can vary in intensity. These fragrant flowers are arranged in large conical clusters known as panicles, which emit a strong, sweet scent that can perfume the air around them. The foliage consists of heart-shaped leaves that are a deep green color, providing a lush backdrop for the display of flowers. These leaves are known to have a smooth texture and are arranged oppositely on the branches, creating a symmetrical visual effect. As a deciduous shrub, it boasts a rounded shape with a branching pattern that offers a dense, leafy presence in the landscape. The plant's overall charm is enhanced by its ability to attract butterflies, adding to its ornamental value.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Oleaceae.
Synonyms
Common Lilac, French Lilac.
Common names
Syringa vulgaris 'Michel Buchner'
ToxicityTo humans
Common lilac is the most common name for Syringa vulgaris 'Michel Buchner'. Generally, common lilac is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal disturbances if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning may include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. People with sensitivity or allergic reactions may experience more severe symptoms. It's always best to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants, as they are not intended for human consumption.
To pets
Common lilac is the most common name for Syringa vulgaris 'Michel Buchner'. This plant is not typically considered toxic to pets. However, if pets consume large amounts of any part of the common lilac, they might experience gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. While the toxicity is generally low, it is advisable to prevent your pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid any potential health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 meters)
Spread
6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Southeastern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its showy lilac blooms.
- Fragrance: Produces a delightful scent which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Attracts Wildlife: Draws beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Shade Provider: Can offer light shade once fully grown, creating a cool spot in the garden.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in groups, can act as a natural privacy barrier.
- Seasonal Interest: Adds spring interest with its vibrant blossoms, announcing the season's arrival.
Medical Properties- Antipyretic: Lilac flowers have traditionally been used to reduce fever.
- Anthelmintic: The plant has been used to expel intestinal worms.
- Antiperiodic: Sometimes used to treat conditions like malaria that have recurring fevers.
- Aromatic: The fragrance of the lilac flowers may have calming or soothing effects.
- Diaphoretic: Lilac can induce sweating and has been used in the treatment of febrile illnesses.
- Purgative: In history, some parts of the plant were used to induce vomiting for detoxification.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Syringa vulgaris 'Michel Buchner', commonly known as lilac, can be used in the production of essential oils for use in perfumery, adding a sweet and floral scent to various fragrances.
- Lilac wood is hard and durable, making it suitable for creating small carved objects such as wooden jewelry or decorative inlays in fine furniture.
- The flowers can be crystallized and used as an edible decoration for desserts, adding a touch of elegance and a slight floral flavor to cakes and pastries.
- Lilac twigs can be woven to create small handicrafts, including baskets and wreaths, often seen in artisanal craft markets.
- The intense fragrance of lilac blooms can serve as a natural deodorizer when dried and placed in sachets for closets and drawers.
- Lilac flowers can be infused in water to create a fragrant floral rinse for pet grooming, leaving a pleasant scent on pet fur.
- Dried lilac petals can be incorporated into homemade candles, releasing a delicate aroma when the candle burns.
- The plant has been used traditionally in some cultures to make a lilac-infused liquor, which is appreciated for its unique floral taste.
- Syringa vulgaris 'Michel Buchner' can be utilized as a natural dye source, imparting a soft green hue to textiles and wool when used in the dyeing process.
- Lilacs can be used as a theme for floral arrangements and event decorations, providing not only a visual impact but also filling the space with their distinctive and pleasant fragrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe common lilac is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe common lilac is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and Fresh Beginnings: Commonly known as the Lilac, Syringa vulgaris 'Michel Buchner' heralds the arrival of spring, symbolizing new growth and the renewal of life.
- Innocence and Youth: The Lilac's delicate blossoms and sweet fragrance are often associated with the innocence and carefree days of youth.
- Love and Romance: Lilacs are also emblematic of love and romance, particularly the idea of a first love, due to their heartwarming color and fragrance.
- Beauty and Pride: With its lush blooms and attractive scent, the Lilac represents the beauty of nature and can symbolize personal achievement or pride.
- Remembrance and Nostalgia: Lilacs are often used as a symbol of remembrance, invoking memories of loved ones or past experiences, sometimes with a sense of longing or nostalgia.
WaterFor the common lilac, watering should be done deeply and infrequently to encourage root growth. Generally, watering about 1 inch per week is sufficient, which translates to roughly 0.623 gallons per square foot, adjusting for rainfall. During the first growing season, you'll want to keep the soil evenly moist to establish the plant. Once established, the common lilac is relatively drought-tolerant and will only need supplemental watering during extended dry spells. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining.
LightCommon lilacs thrive in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes robust flowering. Planting in a spot that gets morning sun is particularly beneficial as it helps the leaves dry off and can mitigate fungal diseases. While they can tolerate light shade, too much shade will reduce the number and vibrancy of blooms.
TemperatureCommon lilacs are hardy and fare well in temperature extremes, surviving winter lows down to -30°F and summer highs well above 90°F. The ideal growing temperatures range between 60°F and 75°F. Proper air circulation is also crucial to prevent overheating in the hotter months.
PruningPrune common lilacs to maintain their shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage vibrant blooms. The best time to prune is just after the flowers have faded in late spring, as lilacs bloom on old wood. Annual thinning of older stems can rejuvenate the bush, but avoid heavy pruning in any one year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLilac 'Michel Buchner' thrives in well-draining loamy soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH, typically around 6.5 to 7. Amend with organic matter and ensure good drainage.
RepottingLilacs 'Michel Buchner' do not need frequent repotting; repot young plants every few years but mature shrubs rarely if ever.
Humidity & MistingCommon lilac 'Michel Buchner' is tolerant of average outdoor humidity, not requiring specific humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Lilacs need full sun and can't thrive indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and prune annually.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as the Michel Buchner lilac, Syringa vulgaris 'Michel Buchner' begins its life as a seed, which, after stratification through a period of cold winter temperatures, germinates in spring. The seedling emerges and establishes a root system, developing into a young plant with characteristic heart-shaped leaves. As the lilac matures, it develops woody stems and can take several years to reach full maturity, where it can produce abundant panicles of fragrant, double, lavender-pink flowers typically in late spring. After pollination by insects, the flowers produce brown, dry capsules that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. During summer, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, storing energy for the next flowering season. With the onset of autumn, the lilac prepares for dormancy, shedding its leaves and entering a rest period during the cold winter months until the cycle begins anew with spring warmth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most common method of propagating the common lilac, known as Syringa vulgaris 'Michel Buchner', is through softwood cuttings. This method is most successful when done in the late spring or early summer when new growth is still tender. To propagate, gardeners cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) piece of softwood from the lilac, making sure to include at least a couple of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. This treated cutting is then planted in a pot with well-draining soil, watered thoroughly, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity. In a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots and can eventually be transplanted into the garden.
