Syringa species

lilac

Trees and Shrubs

Sow in fall or spring, typically germinates well, can benefit from stratifying 3 weeks if no germination occurs in 4 weeks. Light needed for germination; just cover seeds. Very good light, good drainage, neutral and very well-draining soil also required. Older plants relatively drought-tolerant. The Japanese tree lilac, Syringa reticulata, is especially tolerant of salt, alkaline, and very dry soils. Zone 3-8; Syringa vulgaris hardy to zone 2

Suckers are produced in clumps; remove these while the plant is dormant, as clumps or individual suckers. Cut back both roots and shoots to about 6" in length, before replanting; cut-off parts of root can be planted at this time as root cuttings, 4-6" in length

Prized cultivars will not come true from seed, and may be asexually reproduced using cleft grafting or simple layering