Is the lilac hardy? - This is the best way for Syringa to get through the cold

Real garden lavender is hardy

When it comes to winter hardiness, many garden owners are confused, as many confuse the robust common lilac and the more sensitive summer lilac. Both species look quite similar, mainly because of the shape and color of their inflorescences, but they are not related to each other. In addition, the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), which belongs to the olive family, is absolutely hardy - in contrast to the buddleia (Buddleja davidii), which belongs to the fig family and needs winter protection, especially at a young age. Therefore:

The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is hardy and can withstand even deep frosts.
Syringa rarely freezes back.
The summer or butterfly lilac (Buddleja davidii) is only partially hardy.
Its shoots and branches often freeze back in winter, but it sprouts reliably from the roots.

What to do if the lilac does not sprout in spring

However, it can also happen with a spring lilac that it no longer sprouts after a long and severe winter. This is especially the case when

the winter was very wet and the lilacs “drowned” in the constant moisture - waterlogging does not please the wood
in a dry winter, extremely cold temperatures encounter bright sunshine

With the latter, frost damage is very likely, because the warming rays of the sun can stimulate the lilac to sprout, especially towards the end of winter, and the extremely cold temperatures freeze back the branches and twigs that have flowed through with sap.

Hibernate lilacs properly in the pot

Of course, lilacs grown in pots are sufficiently hardy, but their roots, which are poorly protected by pots and little substrate, require additional protection. So that the roots do not freeze back, you should wrap the planter with warming fleece and also place it on an insulating surface such as wood or styrofoam.