Uses for lilac as a tree
The high trunk is a special form of training for lilacs and other shrubs, in which only one main shoot with a spreading crown is used - all other shoots growing out of the base should be cut continuously. In contrast to the shrubby growing lilac - which, depending on age and variety, can not only grow tall, but also very wide - this form of upbringing saves a lot of space, but also requires a lot of attention and work. A lilac high trunk can be used very differently:
- as a container plant
- in small gardens
- as an eye-catcher in the front yard
- as a solitary, for example in the middle of a lawn
- as the center of a group planting
also read
- Pruning lilac high stem - how to do it right
- Space-saving eye-catcher for pots and gardens: Buddleia as a high trunk
- Planting lilacs in autumn - instructions and tips
How to plant and care for a standard lilac trunk
Basically, the needs of the lilac high trunk do not differ from a bush-shaped specimen. Location, soil, water and nutrient requirements remain the same, only the high trunk needs significantly more attention. Since lilacs keep sprouting out of the base, the root saplings have to be removed regularly - otherwise you will have a bush again within a very short time.
Plant the high trunk and cut into shape
A lilac high trunk is available in specialist shops for a lot of money. It will be cheaper if you use one yourself. Since lilac is fast-growing and can grow up to 150 centimeters per year under appropriate conditions, it will not stay small for too long. The first planting and cutting is done in early autumn.
- Dig a sufficiently large planting hole, about twice the size of the root ball.
- Fill this completely with water and wait for it to drain away.
- Mix the excavated material with compost and horn shavings. (€ 6.39 at Amazon *)
- Plant the lilac in it and carefully tread the soil.
- It shouldn't be lower than it was before in the pot.
- Pour it vigorously.
- Choose the strongest main shoot.
- Cut away any other shoots coming out of the base.
- Shorten this by half.
- Leave at least one side branch with at least one eye.
- Fix the main shoot with a plant stick.
You can now overwinter the high trunk. After budding in spring, cut back all new shoots except for one eye or side shoot - this way the lilac can develop a handsome crown.
Tips
In contrast to a lilac bush, a lilac raised as a high trunk must be pruned regularly. If this does not happen, it quickly loses its shape - and on top of that develops numerous root shoots.
