Plant and care for lilacs properly in the tub

Plant and care for lilacs properly in the tub

Which lilac species and varieties are suitable for keeping in a bucket?

For the tub culture, you should choose a variety that remains as small as possible, as it can naturally arrange itself better with the limited space in a planter. The various dwarf lilacs such as the well-known 'Palibin' variety are well suited. Dwarf lilacs grow slowly, are only between 120 and 150 centimeters high and bloom at least as beautifully as the significantly larger garden lavender. Of course you can also plant this in a pot, but then you have to keep it small by cutting.

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How big does a bucket have to be? Which material is particularly suitable?

Instead of giving the young plant a large pot from the outset, it is better to transplant the lilac to a larger one about every two years. The rule of thumb is that the pot should have about twice the volume of the root ball. If the plant is given a large pot right from the start, it will grow all the faster; If, on the other hand, the planter remains smaller, it adapts to the existing conditions. If possible, choose a natural material such as clay or ceramic, since plastic pots (especially if they are black!) Heat up quickly in the sun - which in turn does not like the roots.

Keep and care for lilacs properly in the pot

Otherwise, pot lilacs are just as easy to keep as planted specimens. So that the plant thrives and you can enjoy the flowers every year, you should pay attention to the following points:

  • sunny location
  • water and fertilize regularly
  • Repot every two years
  • cut back regularly after flowering
  • Protect roots from winter frost

Selection of the location

Lilac is a decidedly sun plant that blooms more beautifully and abundantly the more sunny it gets. Therefore a south-facing balcony or a corresponding terrace is best suited, whereby the plant is also quite insensitive to heat and wind. Noble lilacs can often also be cultivated in light partial shade, provided that they receive more than four hours of direct sunlight there. In contrast, there are more suitable shrubs for shady locations.

Substrate

Choose a well drained, sandy substrate such as a mixture of potted soil, sand, and expanded clay. (€ 17.50 at Amazon *) Good drainage is immensely important to avoid waterlogging.

Watering and fertilizing

The substrate should always be kept slightly moist (but not wet!), Especially immediately after planting, during budding and during flowering. Pour moderately and do not let the pot dry out completely. Fertilize every two weeks between April and September with a low-nitrogen, liquid container plant fertilizer.

Cut lilac

Lilacs are always cut after flowering, avoiding radical pruning.

Tips

Since lilac is hardy, you can also overwinter it outside as a container plant. But then you should wrap the pot with a protective fleece and place it on a piece of wood or styrofoam.