Every year in May, the lilac delights us with its magnificent, usually purple or white flowers. Even when it is not in bloom, the ornamental tree is a feast for the eyes with its large, strong green leaves and dense foliage. Because of this, lilac is ideal as a privacy screen, for example in the form of a hedge. You can also plant these in more exposed garden corners without worry, because in contrast to buddleia, real lilacs are sufficiently hardy.
Is lilac hardy?
The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is hardy and can tolerate deep frosts. In contrast, the buddleia (Buddleja davidii) is only partially hardy and its shoots can freeze back in winter. Lilacs in pots should be additionally protected.
Real garden lilac is hardy
Many garden owners are confused about winter hardiness, as many people confuse the robust common lilac and the more sensitive buddleia. Although both species look quite similar, especially because of the shape and color of their inflorescences, they are not related to each other. In addition, the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), which belongs to the olive tree family, is absolutely winter hardy - in contrast to the buddleia (Buddleja davidii), which is part of the figwort family and requires winter protection, especially when young. Therefore:
- The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is hardy and can withstand deep frosts.
- Syringa rarely freezes back.
- The buddleia or butterfly lilac (Buddleja davidii) is only partially hardy.
- Its shoots and branches often freeze back in winter, but it sprouts reliably from its roots.
What to do if the lilacs don't sprout in spring?
However, it can also happen to a spring lilac that it no longer sprouts after a long and harsh winter. This is especially the case when
- the winter was very wet and the lilac “drowned” in the constant humidity – the wood doesn’t like waterlogging at all
- extremely cold temperatures meet bright sunshine in a dry winter
In the latter case, frost damage is very likely, because the warming rays of the sun can encourage the lilac to sprout, especially towards the end of winter, and the extremely cold temperatures can freeze back the twigs and branches that are filled with sap.
Overwintering lilacs properly in the pot
Of course, lilacs grown in pots are also sufficiently hardy, but their roots, which are poorly protected by the pot and little substrate, require additional protection. To prevent the roots from freezing back, you should wrap the planter with warming fleece (€12.00 on Amazon) and also place it on an insulating surface such as wood or Styrofoam.
Tip
If you want to put the lilac on the stick or even dig it up completely, autumn or even winter is the right time to do it.
