The lilac (scientific name: syringa) is a flowering shrub that blooms every year in the spring, as per Garden Design. It is loved around the world for the fragrant scent of its blooms, which attracts butterflies, and its small, delicate flowers. The flower color differs from species to species and includes white, purple, pink, and blue. While you can find this plant in a variety of sizes, they reach, on average, between 12 and 15 feet in height, making them the perfect hedge bush for your outdoor space. This shrub is also marked by its vibrant foliage, which stays green year-round.
The history of the lilac shrub dates back to ancient Greece and forms part of Greek mythology, according to Better Homes & Gardens. One such myth tells the story of the god of the forests, Pan, who stalked a nymph named Syringa in the pursuit of her affections. Syringa wasnt interested in Pan and decided to become a lilac shrub to hide from him. Ironically, Pan came across the shrub, not knowing it was the nymph he loved, and used some of its parts to manufacture the musical instrument known as a panpipe, or pan flute.
Youll likely be glad to discover that lilacs are relatively easy to grow and care for and can even live up to 100 years when provided with their preferred growing conditions. Keep scrolling for an in-depth guide on how to plant and sustain this beautiful shrub.
Lilacs are a beloved flowering shrub that adds beauty and fragrance to any garden. With their captivating blooms and sweet scent it’s no wonder why so many homeowners are eager to incorporate lilacs into their outdoor spaces. However proper placement and spacing of lilac bushes is crucial to their health and performance. One key consideration is how far to plant lilac from a fence or other structure.
In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about optimal lilac spacing, including:
- Ideal distance from fences
- Planting tips near homes
- Avoiding potential issues
- Creative solutions for tight spots
- And much more!
Follow these tips to give your lilacs the room they need to grow and thrive for years of enjoyment
Factors That Determine Lilac Spacing
When deciding how far to plant lilac bushes from fences, homes, and other garden features, keep these key factors in mind:
Mature Size – Standard lilac varieties can reach over 15 feet tall and wide at maturity. Dwarf types may max out at just 4-6 feet. Check the expected height and spread for your variety.
Air Circulation – Good airflow is essential to prevent powdery mildew and other fungal diseases. Avoid cramming lilacs tight to structures.
Sun Exposure – Lilacs require full sun to bloom properly. Planting too close to buildings can overly shade the plant.
Root Space – Give lilac roots ample room to spread out through the soil without competing for resources.
Accessibility – Leave enough space around lilacs for pruning, training, and flower harvesting.
Accounting for these factors will provide healthy growing conditions and prevent conflicts with structures as your lilacs reach their mature dimensions.
Recommended Distances from Fences
When incorporating lilacs along backyard fences, follow these spacing guidelines:
-
For standard lilac varieties, allow 6-8 feet between the shrub and fence.
-
For dwarf lilac varieties, leave 3-4 feet between the plant and fence.
-
For mass lilac plantings, increase distances between plants and fences.
-
Position dwarf lilacs on the ends of borders to prevent overcrowding.
-
Keep at least 2 feet between lilacs and any pathways or drives.
These distances provide enough space for air circulation and light exposure. The room also allows easy access for pruning and plant care without damaging the fence.
Tips for Planting Lilacs Near Houses
Lilacs can grow quite large, so use these tips when placing lilacs close to homes:
-
Allow at least 6 feet between lilacs and house foundations or eaves.
-
Choose dwarf varieties for planting nearer homes.
-
Install root barriers along foundations to prevent damage.
-
Prune regularly to control growth around windows, doors, and siding.
-
Focus on planting lilacs near corners or side garages where they have room.
-
Avoid planting directly under roof overhangs or windows.
Proper spacing prevents potential issues like clogged gutters, damp basements, and cracked foundations as the lilac roots expand.
Can Lilacs Be Planted Right Against a Fence?
Planting lilacs directly against a fence often causes issues down the road:
-
Branches and foliage overload the fence space.
-
Attached shoots and stems damage fencing when removed.
-
Flowers become hidden behind the fence at maturity.
-
Tight quarters increase humidity and disease.
-
Access for pruning and maintenance is challenging.
While you can try planting dwarf lilacs 1-2 feet from the fence, expect to do frequent pruning to control size. Even then, extremely close quarters are far from ideal.
Problems With Planting Too Close to Fences
Here are some specific problems that arise when lilacs are planted too close to fence lines:
-
New shoots grow through gaps in picket and split rail fences.
-
Branches intertwine with wire and mesh fencing materials.
-
Wind causes whippy branches to rub against and loosen fencing.
-
Dense foliage prevents air movement and light, promoting rot of wood posts and boards over time.
-
Growth quickly overtakes the fence making pruning difficult or impossible.
To avoid these issues, allow ample space for air flow based on the expected mature size of your variety.
Clever Solutions for Fitting Lilacs in Small Spaces
For gardens with limited room, get creative with these space-saving ideas:
-
Select dwarf lilac varieties that stay under 5 feet tall.
-
Grow lilacs in large planters that can be moved as needed.
-
Prune and train growth rigorously to dictate size and direction.
-
Support cut lilac branches on small trellises away from fences.
-
Focus on lilacs for central beds rather than cramming along fences.
With the right cultivar choice and care, you can find room for lilacs even in tight garden spaces.
Takeaway
Lilacs require sufficient spacing from fences, homes, and other landscape features to grow freely to their mature dimensions. Crowding leads to disease, dieback, and potentially costly structural damage.
Review the recommended distances and planting tips outlined above when siting lilacs in your own yard. With adequate room, these beloved bloomers will enhance your garden with carefree beauty for years to come.
How to grow lilacs
Lilacs are typically planted in the fall from a sucker (also known as an offshoot) or a transplant bought directly from a plant nursery. The former is essentially a weed-like shoot that sprouts up from the base of the plant and is connected to the root system, per Flower Patch Farmhouse. You will need to dig up the shoot in order to plant it in another location, taking care to catch the roots embedded within the earth as you do so. The more shoots you collect, the better the chances that one will survive once planted and grow into a full lilac bush. Once youve dug up a few, place them in a container of water. Next, youll need to dig a hole deep enough to plant the sucker so it stands up straight. Fill it in with soil and keep it well-watered until it gets established. Keep in mind that suckers take a few years to become full-grown bushes.
A transplanted lilac shrub is one that is grown in a container and is typically well established when you purchase it from a nursery, according to Almanac. You can also find transplants with their root systems wrapped in burlap. Its very simple to plant this type of lilac in your garden. You should first dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the entire root ball and then cover it completely with soil. The area around the roots should be well packed with soil.
How to use lilacs in garden
As lilacs grow in bushes, its best to plant them in areas of your garden that will serve as borders. For example, planting them along a fence or the side of your house provides privacy while also adding a colorful boundary to different areas of your yard. Since this flower is also known for its delicious fragrance, planting them where you are likely to pass frequently, such as near an entryway to your home or lining a pathway, will allow you to enjoy their scent every time you walk by. Additionally, it may also be a good idea to choose a specific variety of lilac for your garden based on its size. A more compact species can be placed on its own in a corner of your yard while larger varieties can serve as a focal point in the center.
SF Gate suggests that gardeners grow lilacs in the same vicinity as other flowering shrubs, especially ones that have different bloom times. This will maximize the amount of time you get to see your garden in full bloom during the growing season while also adding a bit of texture to the scene. Some of the best companion plants for lilacs include flowering dogwoods, magnolias, flowering cherries, peonies, and conifers, according to Gardenia. Get creative with the bloom color of the plants you surround your lilacs with to produce a truly spectacular sight in your own landscaped backyard.
Lilac privacy fence
FAQ
Can you plant a lilac bush next to a fence?
Gardeners often focus on growing flowers in containers and in beds. But sometimes we forget that we can grow flowers on bare walls and fences by planting flowering vines, which can transform a wall into a beautiful backdrop. One of my favorites is purple lilac vine.
Where should you not plant lilac bushes?
-
Wet Soil:Lilacs are intolerant of soggy conditions and will not thrive in areas where the soil remains wet for extended periods, even if the soil is well-drained otherwise.
-
Excessive Shade:Lilacs require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to flower properly. Planting them in shaded areas will result in fewer blooms and may increase the risk of fungal diseases.
-
Hot, Humid Climates:Lilacs are not well-suited for hot, humid environments, especially those above USDA Hardiness Zone 8. High humidity can contribute to the spread of fungal diseases, and the heat may stress the plants.
-
Other Considerations:
- Lilacs can be planted in containers if needed, but they still require a sunny location and well-drained soil.
- Lilacs can tolerate temperatures well below freezing, but they prefer protection from cold winds that can damage flower buds and stems.
- While lilacs have relatively shallow roots, it’s generally recommended to plant them at least 10 feet away from buildings to avoid potential damage.
- Lilacs can be planted in containers if needed, but they still require a sunny location and well-drained soil.
How far away from a house should you plant a lilac bush?
Lilac roots generally spread one and one-half times the width of the shrub. A distance of 12 feet (4 m.) from the foundation is generally enough to prevent foundation damage.
How close to plant lilacs for a hedge?
- Smaller varieties: May be spaced 5-8 feet apart for a denser hedge.
- Larger varieties (like common lilac, Syringa vulgaris): May need 10-12 feet or more to ensure adequate space for growth and air circulation.
- Consider desired density: Planting closer together will create a denser, more immediate hedge, but will require more pruning to maintain shape.
- Sunlight and growing conditions: Lilacs need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive and flower well.
- Soil: Ensure the planting area has well-drained, alkaline soil. Adding lime can help maintain the soil’s pH.
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and size of the hedge.