Lilac 'Sensation' Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation'

Water

Common lilacs, including the 'Sensation' variety, prefer consistent moisture, especially when they are young or when they are planted in areas with hot summers. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time. This typically translates to about 1.5 to 3 gallons per week, depending on soil type and weather conditions. During dry spells or extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently. Reduce the amount of water as the plant matures and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Light

Common lilacs like 'Sensation' perform best in full sun, which means they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot for a common lilac would be in an area with clear southern or western exposure, away from large trees or buildings that could create significant shade. Without enough sunlight, lilacs may not bloom as prolifically.

Temperature

Common lilacs, such as the 'Sensation' variety, are hardy and can withstand cold winters well. They have a good cold tolerance and can survive temperatures as low as -30°F. Ideally, they thrive in temperate climates where summer temperatures range between 60°F and 75°F, and they require a period of winter chill to bloom successfully. Excessive heat, particularly temperatures over 90°F, can be stressful for lilacs and inhibit flowering.

Pruning

Prune common lilacs like 'Sensation' immediately after flowering to shape the plant and remove any spent flowers, which encourages the plant to produce more blooms the following year. Pruning also helps prevent disease by increasing air circulation within the branches. Typically, lilacs should be pruned annually, but older shrubs may benefit from rejuvenation pruning, which involves removing one-third of the oldest branches every year for three years.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Common Lilac (Sensation) thrives in well-drained, fertile loam with a slightly alkaline pH of about 6.5 to 7. Incorporate organic matter like compost or aged manure into the soil mix to enhance fertility.

Repotting

Common Lilacs typically do not need frequent repotting and can remain in the same spot for several years, repot only when the shrub outgrows its space or shows signs of decline.

Humidity & Misting

Common Lilacs prefer average humidity levels; they do not require any special humidity adjustments when planted in their appropriate outdoor conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place the lilac near a sunny window and ensure it gets plenty of light.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  Sensation Common Lilac is suitable for 3-7 USDA hardiness zones.

Life cycle

The common lilac, specifically the cultivar 'Sensation', begins its life as a seed, undergoing a period of dormancy before germination when conditions are favorable, typically in spring. After germination, the seedling grows, developing a root system and foliage through the vegetative stage, becoming more robust each year. The lilac matures after a few years and enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive bicolored purple and white panicles typically in the late spring, which are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the plant sets fruit in the form of brown, woody capsules that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. During autumn, the lilac’s leaves turn yellow and fall off as the plant enters a period of dormancy to conserve energy through the winter months. Each year, the cycle repeats with the plant producing new growth in the spring, leading to increased size and more prolific flowering over time.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation', commonly known as the common lilac 'Sensation', is most successfully propagated through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. This technique involves snipping a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) length of soft, new growth from a healthy lilac bush. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage development. After preparing the cutting, it is placed in a container with well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one set of leaf nodes is buried below the soil surface. The container is then kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots develop, usually after several weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they are transplanted into individual pots or directly into their intended location in the garden.