Lilacs for Zone 2

If you are looking for a beautiful flowering shrub, that does well in a cold climate, Lilacs are a good choice. Hardy enough for zone 2, they are a fast-growing, ornamental shrub, that also attracts bees.

Lilacs are an easy to grow, sweet-smelling, shrub that grows well in a variety of different climates.

They grow well in zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Beautiful and dense, they have many positive traits, which make them a popular choice for many gardeners.

Lilacs are a flowering plant from the olive family and are an ornamental plant that blooms in early summer. Not only does it grow well in cold climates, but it also is useful when used as a windbreak and can be used as a shrub. Non-Aggressive, they produce flowers that are lilac, mauve, and at times even white. Plant them individually for a stunning display, or in a row for dense cover.

What are Lilac Bushes Good For?

Lilac bushes are a good privacy screen when planted ….They also attract birds, and butterflies. Birds keep garden pests to a minimum because when they feed on them they act as natural pest control.

Bees and other beneficial insects also like lilacs and help pollinate other garden plants. Planting lilacs in areas that don’t get strong wind will also encourage butterfly activity.

Planting Lilacs

Plant lilacs in soil that has good drainage. Dig a hole that is about 8 inches in diameter, and 12 inches deep. Add compost, and plant, with the root ball level with the surface of the hole. It is important to water thoroughly as to remove all air pockets.

They grow best in full sun, so take this into consideration when planting. In a sunny spot, they will produce hundreds of fragrant lilac flowers.

Although they will grow in partial shade, they will struggle to produce as many flowers and will not thrive as well as in the full sun. There are many different varieties of lilacs. Several varieties that grow well in zone 2 are ‘Sensation’ Lilac, ‘Miss Canada’ Lilac, ‘Asessippi’ Lilac, and the Common Lilac (Syringa Vulgaris).

Space medium-sized lilacs that are 6-9 feet at maturity 2 to 4 feet apart, if you want a dense hedge. Place larger lilacs, that are more than 10 feet tall, at least 8 feet apart.

The most common one around our parts is Common Lilac. These grow 12-15 feet tall, and 8-12 feet wide. Be sure to take the mature size into consideration when planting.

How Fast Do Lilacs Grow?

Lilac plants will need time to grow before they will start flowering. Most plants don’t bloom until they are 3 or four years old, while some varieties can take even longer.

Trimming the plant yearly, right after blooming, will help encourage more vigorous growth. Remove any weak or diseased branches. They can grow up to 18 inches per year. It can take 3-4 years for them to get established, but once they are, it can keep growing for up to a hundred years.

Caring For Lilacs

You can care for your lilacs without using any chemicals. Start by creating your own organic fertilizer by including bone meal, fish emulsion compost, and coffee grounds. Make a tea from this and give it to your lilacs 3 or 4x over the summer.

Epsom salts are another fertilizer that will encourage them to bloom well. Add one cup of Epsom salts to the soil around the plant. Lilacs should be watered once every 10-14 days.

Especially during the first growing season, it is important to water your lilacs regularly.  They respond best to deep, infrequent watering, and should not be overwatered. Lilacs do not require a lot of fertilizer and are a good choice if you live in zone 2. Hardy and versatile, they will encourage beneficial insect activity while providing shade and pretty flowers.

Conclusion

Lilacs are a great flowering shrub for zone 2 gardens and yards. Easy to establish, they continue to grow for many decades.