Enjoy the sweet scent of spring

You know them as the irresistible, aromatic bloom that you can’t help but clip a few clusters and bring inside, filling your house with their rich scent. In addition to their enticing perfume, lilac bushes are hardy plants that can live for hundreds of years. Although they are considerably resilient, keep the following tips in mind when planting and caring for lilacs:

Planting Site When it comes to lilacs, be sure to place plants no less than 6 to 10 feet apart to avert overcrowding. You should also avoid planting them along a wall or next to other large trees. When you find the right spot, position the lilac with its roots spread vertically, ensuring that the hole is both wide and deep enough to contain them.

Drainage Lilacs must be planted in soil that is able to retain enough moisture to nourish the plant but can still drain off. As a test, try digging a hole 8 inches in diameter by 12 inches deep and fill the hole with water. If the water does not drain off in an hour, choose another site to plant.

Sunlight Choose a spot that receives ample afternoon sunlight. Lilacs thrive in areas that receive plenty of sun. Sunlight directly affects the appearance, color, and the amount of blooms.

Pruning When caring for your lilacs, make sure that the bushes are well pruned. This will help prevent any risk of disease.

Deadheading Care for your lilacs by removing dead flowers after they’ve bloomed. Once the blooms have wilted, cut just below the flower heads. This will neaten the look of the bush and will also help promote new blooms next year.