The generous and fragrant flowering of lilacs (Syringa) marks the arrival of spring! Known for being resistant and easy to maintain, this stunning shrub creates beautiful fragrant hedges and is a must-have in many gardens. If you’re eager to multiply the common lilac to create a flowery space, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll focus on the two most effective methods for propagating this charming plant.
1. Multiplication by Cuttings
When it comes to propagating plants, the cutting method is often the most popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness. But how does this work for Syringa? While lilacs can be propagated by cuttings, it’s not the easiest process. The best time to take cuttings is after the lilac has finished flowering, from June to September. However, this method is delicate and requires some care.
Step-by-step guide:
- Choose the Right Stems: Wait for the year’s stems to form in late spring or early summer. Mature wood is less likely to root, so select healthy, non-woody stems. Cut them into pieces about 20 cm long, making sure each cutting has 2–3 internodes.
- Prepare the Cuttings: Remove leaves from the bottom half of the stem, leaving only the top leaves (cut them in half). This reduces moisture loss and encourages rooting.
- Prepare the Pot: Fill a pot with a mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite for good drainage. Make small holes with your fingers and insert the cuttings. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone before planting to encourage root growth. You can use a store-bought rooting hormone or make your own.
- Water and Care: Water the cuttings with a fine spray to avoid disturbing the soil. Keep the pot in a shaded, humid location and water regularly to maintain moisture, but avoid making the soil too soggy.
- Watch for New Growth: After about two months, you should see new healthy shoots, signaling that the cuttings are rooting. Once established, move the pot to a bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
- Transplant: Once the roots are well-developed, you can plant the new lilac in its final location outdoors.
2. Sucker Collection
If you want a faster and more effective way to propagate your lilac, consider using suckers — the new shoots that grow from the roots of the plant. These suckers are genetically identical to the parent plant, making them a reliable method for creating more lilacs.
How to Collect and Plant Suckers:
- Select the Right Suckers: The mother plant must be at least 4 or 5 years old, and you should only collect suckers in late autumn. Suckers grow near the base of the shrub, making them easy to identify.
- Digging Up the Suckers: Using a shovel, dig carefully around the base of the suckers, making sure to get as much of the root system as possible. You may need to break the root system, but this is okay for successful transplantation. Try to collect several suckers to increase your chances of success.
- Transplanting Immediately: If you can plant the suckers right away, dig a hole that is deep enough and loosen the surrounding soil. Place the sucker in the hole, fill it in, and pack the soil gently with your foot before watering it well.
- Watering and Care: Keep the soil moist until the sucker is well-established. If you’re planting in pots first (recommended if not planting immediately), choose a pot slightly larger than the root system with drainage holes. Use well-drained potting soil mixed with compost.
- In Spring: Once the suckers have established roots in their pots, plant them outdoors in early spring to give them time to develop before the summer heat arrives.
Final Tips:
- Choose the Best Time: For both methods, timing is crucial. Spring and early summer are ideal for cuttings, while autumn is best for suckers.
- Water Regularly: Newly planted cuttings and suckers require consistent moisture until they become established.
- Provide Shade and Humidity: Both methods benefit from shaded locations with high humidity, especially for rooting cuttings.
Now you know how to propagate your common lilac easily and effectively. Happy gardening!
