The Bloomerang lilac is a stunning, fragrant shrub that captivates gardeners with its ability to bloom multiple times in a season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing and caring for a Bloomerang lilac can be an incredibly rewarding experience. This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about planting, caring for, and troubleshooting your Bloomerang lilac.
Quick Guide of Bloomerang Lilac
| Feature | Details |
| Common Name | Bloomerang Lilac |
| Botanical Name | Syringa ‘Bloomerang’ |
| Family | Oleaceae (Olive family) |
| Plant Type | Deciduous shrub |
| Mature Size | 4–5 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hours daily) |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, loamy soil |
| Soil pH | Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5) |
| Hardiness Zones | USDA zones 3–7 |
| Native Area | Hybrid, not native |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to humans and pets |
Planting and Transplanting Bloomerang Lilac
Planting your Bloomerang lilac correctly is essential for its long-term success. These shrubs thrive in sunny locations with good air circulation, which reduces the risk of mildew and promotes abundant blooms.
When to Plant
The best time to plant Bloomerang lilacs is in early spring or fall when the temperatures are mild, and the plant is not actively blooming. Avoid planting during the peak of summer to prevent stress from heat.
How to Plant
- Choose the Right Spot: Select a sunny location with well-draining soil. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Prepare the Soil: Test the soil pH to ensure it’s neutral to slightly alkaline. Amend with compost or organic matter if the soil is heavy or compacted.
- Dig the Hole: Make a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. This allows the roots to spread easily.
- Planting: Place the lilac shrub in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill the hole with soil, tamp it gently, and water thoroughly.
Transplanting Tips
If you need to move an established Bloomerang lilac, do so in early spring or fall. Dig around the root system, keeping as much of it intact as possible. Replant in a prepared location and water deeply to help the plant settle in.
Bloomerang Lilac Care
Caring for a Bloomerang lilac is relatively simple if you provide the right conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the key care tasks:
Watering
Bloomerang lilacs need consistent moisture, especially during their first year as they establish roots. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In dry spells, increase watering frequency.
Fertilizing
Feed your lilac in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage but fewer blooms.
Mulching
Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Types of Bloomerang Lilac
Several cultivars of Bloomerang lilacs offer unique characteristics:
- Bloomerang Dark Purple: Features deep purple blooms that fade slightly as they mature.
- Bloomerang Pink Perfume: Displays soft pink flowers with an intense fragrance.
- Bloomerang Dwarf Purple: A compact variety perfect for small gardens or containers, reaching only 3–4 feet in height.
Each variety shares the trademark reblooming feature, adding beauty and fragrance to your garden throughout the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial for maintaining the shape and health of your Bloomerang lilac, as well as encouraging blooms.
When to Prune
Prune immediately after the first round of blooming in late spring or early summer. This allows the plant to prepare for its second bloom cycle. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, as this may reduce flowering.
How to Prune
- Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
- Cut back about one-third of the oldest stems at ground level each year to promote new growth.
- Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to keep the plant healthy.
Propagating Bloomerang Lilac
Propagating lilacs from cuttings is the most reliable method for duplicating the parent plant.
- Select a Cutting: In late spring or early summer, choose a healthy branch that’s not currently blooming.
- Prepare the Cutting: Cut a 6–8 inch section with at least two leaf nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Plant the Cutting: Place it in a pot with moist, well-draining soil. Cover with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse.
- Care for the Cutting: Keep it in a warm, bright location (but out of direct sunlight) and water regularly. Roots should develop in 4–6 weeks.
How to Grow Bloomerang Lilac From Seeds
Growing lilacs from seeds can be a lengthy process, but it’s a rewarding project for patient gardeners.
Seed Collection and Preparation
Harvest seeds from mature lilac pods in late summer or fall. Stratify the seeds by placing them in a moist paper towel inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 8–12 weeks.
Planting the Seeds
In early spring, plant the stratified seeds in small pots filled with seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pots in a sunny location. Germination can take several weeks.
Potting and Repotting Bloomerang Lilac
Bloomerang lilacs can grow in containers, making them ideal for small spaces or patios.
Choosing a Container
Use a large pot with drainage holes to accommodate the plant’s mature size.
Repotting
Repot every 2–3 years or when the roots become crowded. Refresh the soil with a nutrient-rich potting mix during repotting.
Overwintering
Bloomerang lilacs are hardy, but extra care in winter can protect them in colder regions.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to insulate the roots.
- For container-grown lilacs, move pots to a sheltered area or wrap them in burlap for added protection.
Harvesting Bloomerang Lilac
Cut Bloomerang lilac blooms in the morning when they’re at their freshest. Use sharp, clean scissors and place the cuttings in water immediately. Lilacs make beautiful additions to floral arrangements.
Uses for Bloomerang Lilac
Bloomerang lilacs are versatile and can be used for:
- Hedges: Create natural privacy screens.
- Cut Flowers: Their fragrant blooms are perfect for vases.
- Pollinator Gardens: Attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Common Problems With Bloomerang Lilac
Powdery Mildew
This fungal disease appears as white powder on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent it.
Leaf Spot
Brown or black spots may develop due to fungal infections. Remove affected leaves and use a fungicide if necessary.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
- Aphids: Tiny insects that suck sap from leaves. Use insecticidal soap or a strong water spray to remove them.
- Borers: These pests can damage stems. Prune infested branches and apply neem oil.
How to Get Bloomerang Lilac to Bloom
If your Bloomerang lilac isn’t blooming, check for these issues:
- Lack of Sunlight: Ensure the plant gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Over-fertilizing: Excess nitrogen promotes foliage but inhibits blooms.
- Improper Pruning: Prune only after the first bloom cycle to encourage reblooming.
FAQ
- How often does Bloomerang lilac bloom?
It typically blooms in spring and then again from mid-summer to fall. - How long does Bloomerang lilac live?
With proper care, these shrubs can live for decades. - Can I grow Bloomerang lilac in containers?
Yes, but ensure the pot is large enough and provides excellent drainage.
Read also: How to Grow and Care for Violet Flowers: A Complete Guide
