When Do You Plant Lilac Bushes: In the Fall or Spring?

Lilac bushes grow best when planted in the home landscape during the spring season once the ground begins to warm or after September 1 in the fall season. Bushes planted during the hot summer months are susceptible to stress, since the root system is not established.

Lilac Bushes

Lilac bushes act as a focal point in the landscape while in bloom. The large flower spikes adds to the attractiveness of the shrub when planted as a border or edging plant. When not in flower, the density of the wild leaves make a good screen or hedge. Look for companions for the lilac with the same growing requirements and in complementary colors like white, pink, purple and gold. Consider flowering dogwoods, peonies, magnolias and hostas. Essential oil processed from lilac blossoms is used in the making of perfume. Slit the stems vertically under water and then remove all the leaves that would spoil the water in the vase. Fill the vase with equal parts of non-diet lemon-lime soda and water. Lilacs attract birds to the landscape by providing them with nesting habitat and protection from predators. Butterflies are also attracted to lilac bushes and help pollinate other garden plants.