Dwarf lilac inspires as a symphony of flowers and fragrance in a small garden-friendly format. To keep it that way, you should pick up the scissors after the flowering period. Read here when and how to skillfully blend dwarf fragrant lilacs.
How and when should you cut dwarf lilacs?
The ideal time to cut dwarf lilacs is after the main flowering period from May to June. Cut back spent flower spikes to the next bud base. After flowering, a topiary can be done by cutting back excessively long branches. Older branches can be thinned out in late winter.
Cleaning out stimulates re-blooming
The main flowering period for dwarf lilacs is from May to June. Of course, this does not mean that this year's flower festival ends. A little help with secateurs is enough to encourage the attractive ornamental tree to produce a second bloom. At the end of June/beginning of July, cut back spent flower spikes to the next, clearly visible bud base.
Cut to shape after flowering
If the flowering period is coming to an end, the time window opens for a regular topiary on the dwarf lilac. Time is of the essence, because all lilacs lay their buds in the same year for the next year's flowering period. How to cut with expertise:
- First check the bush for nesting birds in order to postpone cutting until later if necessary
- Cut off wilted flowers in advance to prevent self-sowing
- Cut back excessively long branches that are out of shape
- Choose an intersection point a short distance from a pair of leaves or a bud
The very leisurely growth rate of 5 to 15 centimeters per year does not require extensive pruning to ensure that your dwarf lilac is in top shape. This has the advantage that you can limit yourself to this year's growth and therefore act in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Nature Conservation Act.
Thinning out dwarf lilacs in late winter
Older or rarely cut dwarf lilacs benefit from thinning. Old, aging branches are removed to make room for young wood. The type of cut is equally advantageous for a shrub and a standard tree crown. This is how you properly light out a dwarf fragrant lilac:
- Best time is from the end of January to the end of February
- Do not cut in frost, rain and blazing winter sun
- Cut frozen and snapped shoot tips back into he althy wood
- Dwarf lilac bush: cut back dead branches to 10 cm short cones
- Dwarf lilac standard stem: cut off 2 to 3 of the oldest, thickest crown branches on the astring
- Do not cut he althy shoots because they have numerous flower buds
Before each cut, please consider whether this could create an unsightly gap in the bush or crown. This shortcoming can be avoided by using the derivation cutting technique. Examine the branch in question to see whether it still signals the will to live through a side shoot positioned further down. Use scissors or a folding saw at the junction of young and old wood.
Tip
The very similar names of dwarf lilac and buddleia pose a high risk of confusion for home gardeners when it comes to pruning care. Buddleia (Buddleja davidii) receive a vigorous pruning in late winter to promote the growth of flowering wood. If you cut your dwarf lilac (Syringa meyeri) in the same way, you will destroy all of the flower buds that all true lilac species produce the previous year.
