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Arbico-Organics

The Lilac Bush

   (Read 250+ times)
By Agnes Farside

Other than jasmine, the only other floral bush I can think of that has such an intoxicating scent is the lilac bush. The aroma of the lilac is added to thousands of manufactured and home-made soaps, lotions and perfumes through its essential oil. It has even been revered in a famous painting by Vincent Van Gogh, entitled none other than ‘Lilac Bush’.

The lilac bush can be easy to grow provided it has the right growing conditions. Lilacs, a deciduous shrub, are hardy in zones three to seven. Although everyone says to plant lilac bushes in full sun, I have had more luck when they are planted with some shade.

Years ago I had a lilac bush on the corner of the house I was living in at that time. It got full sun until mid afternoon and it thrived. It was near my living room window and when the window was open and the bush was blooming the aroma was heavenly.

A friend has several lilac bushes and they too receive afternoon shade and are doing just fine. I planted two healthy, lilac bushes two years ago, one in full sun and one that received afternoon shade starting around three o’clock in the afternoon. I gave them both the same amount and same kind of care and the one in full sun died that first summer. The one in partial shade is doing just fine.

The best time to plant lilacs is in the fall in moist soil, but can also be planted in the spring. This will give them a chance to settle before the winter months arrive. Adding a little organic compost after planting will give the plant extra nourishment through the winter.

Lilacs come in colors of pinks, white, purples, mauve and blue-violet, plus a few others. The petals are small and grow in clusters amid dark green heart-shaped leaves. Producing its blossoms in the spring, the bush can grow to heights of 20 feet and be as round as 10 feet. This makes them excellent for use as hedges and windbreaks.

You can purchase lilacs at nurseries or propagate them from suckers. Suckers are new growth from the roots. This is a much easier way than obtaining them from cuttings.

Prune lilac bushes right after the flowers fade. Cut away dead branches to promote good air circulation which will inspire new growth for the next year and help keep powdery mildew from developing. If an old bush loses its luster, cut it back to about a foot in March. This will force the development of new branches.

I also suggest that you plant your lilac bush near a window that you can open and reap the benefits of this beautiful plants wonderful aroma.

Author Bio Box: Agnes Farside

Author Photohttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/110407/agnes_farside.html
Article From GreenThumbArticles.com - Organic Gardening Articles
Submitted on: 2008-02-12 14:02:36
Number Times Read: 347
Word Count: 456
Search by keyword tag ► lilac bush
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