| This plant prefers a location with full sun all day long and soil that is evenly moist yet well drained, meaning not a low or soggy spot. An annual top dressing of good quality compost and/or a complete granular or slow release fertilizer such as 10-10-10 should be fine. Read and follow the label instructions. Use a natural mulch year round to help feed the soil, keep down weeds, and maintain a more even soil moisture level. A new plant should be watered as needed to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Pull aside the mulch and use your finger to dig into the soil. If it is still moist, don't water yet. It is better to water slowly and deeply to encourage deep roots, than to water lightly every day. This plant blooms on old wood, so any pruning should be done in late spring right after it blooms. In my experience these plants can take several years before they bloom, so be patient with it. It also blooms a bit later in the season than the regular lilacs. It is worth the wait! Enjoy your lilac. |
