3492 lilac

We have lilac growing just outside the trullo, well I think it is but then I know nothing about plants. Could it be something else, it looks very like lilac.

There are several hundred varieties of Lilac!

They are not difficult to grow and bloom on growth produced the previous year, setting flower buds in summer after vegetative growth slows down. If plants are pruned too late, they will lose the capacity to make flower buds and will not bloom the following year.

Lilacs are long-lived in dry climates, but grow best where the soil is rich and moist. An occasional top-dressing with manure is usually sufficient to provide nutrients. Bonemeal would not hurt the plant, but is so slow in breaking down that effects would not be seen for some time. Bonemeal is more effectively used at planting time, sprinkled in the planting hole where it will make intimate contact with roots. Soluble fertilisers, are comparatively expensive and provide little long-term benefit overall.

Like many other shrubs lilacs renew themselves from the base. Cutting away "suckers" will interfere with this process. In order to have larger flower heads on shorter stems periodically, cut the oldest, twiggiest canes only down to within 18 inches of the ground after bloom. Other reasons for non-flowering include too much shade or too much applied fertiliser, which causes overly lush growth.

Bacterial blight and powdery mildew are serious problems for lilacs and both can cause non-flowering if the plant is severely affected, otherwise they are delightful plants and well suited to Italy.

Good day.

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][SIZE="3"]Perhaps you could also tell me the Italian name for Lilac so I can find it in the garden center?

Thanks very much.

Becky[/SIZE][/FONT]

This would depend very much on which variety one would chose. However, in general, lilac is lilac, even in Italian.

[I]Lilac vulgaris[/I], is the common lilac and signifies earliest love or there is [I]Lilac alba[/I], with white blooms and signifies youth.

True "tree lilacs" (Lilac syringa reticulata and Lilac syringa pekinensis) bloom a bit later than lilac bushes. Their blooms are white are not as aromatic as the flowers of vulgaris and other deeper coloured lilac shrubs.

May I suggest you grow a variety, as each will attract different species of bird and butterfly to your garden.

If you have no luck with true lilacs perhaps you should consider the syringa tree - it is a mid-sized tree native to thefoothills of the Himalayas that is widely grown in South Africa. I have been unsuccessful in finding a scientific name for you but the two common names are the syringa tree, or the Cape lilac.

As its name suggests it bears huge quantities of lilac scented flowers followed later in the year by berries (the dried and polished seed pods make good beads).

This tree is prone to become invasive in certain climates and as a result of this it is strictly controlled in parts of SA (also due to it being a thirsty tree and having to protect water resources).

The wood apparently bears a striking resemblance to oak and is now being utilised more in the furniture industry as well.

[QUOTE=manopello][FONT="Book Antiqua"][SIZE="3"]Perhaps you could also tell me the Italian name for Lilac so I can find it in the garden center?

Thanks very much.

Becky[/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

Becky, have a look at [url]www.margheriti.it[/url] an enormous nursery which has the good taste to advertise in Italy Mag. their catalogue is a fund of info. the plants are excellent quality and delivery is good... NOW, if only they would dig the holes and water the things....:D :D