Everlasting Lilac

These pretty Syringa are a fantastic new breed of lilacs which which has a main flush of flowers in spring, but then flowers again early autumn. The scented pink flowers make a lovely show either in a pot on a patio or planted out into the ground. Choose a sunny spot where you can enjoy the scented blooms.

When the plant is in a small pot it will need regular watering. Water from the top and let the excess drain away. You can stand in very shallow water – but don’t let the plant get too waterlogged. You should be aiming to keep the top of the soil damp to the touch.

As the plant grows it should be potted in a larger container or into the ground. Choose a sunny position with a bit of wind protection if you can. When planting out it’s a good idea to add some compost or well rotted mature to the hole for extra nutrients and don’t forget to water heavily for the first few weeks whilst the roots get established.

This lilac is a dwarf variety so will be reasonably slow growing and won’t need a lot of maintenance. In mid-summer remove the faded flowers carefully using sharp secateurs and in Spring add a top dressing of compost to the base of the plant when you see the first new leaves emerging.

Problem solving: If the leaves start to droop in the summer months and the flowers start to drop you know it’s thirsty, so water straight away. Lilac trees are deciduous though so don’t be alarmed when it drops it’s leaves in the autumn.