Syringa
Lilac Bonsai
A genus of deciduous shrub native to Asia and Europe. Lilacs make for popular bonsai due to their tubular fragrant flowers and the array of pinks, blues and purples the flori can bring. The beauty of these hardy species is commonly offset by their thick characterful trunks.
Lilac Bonsai Care Tips
Placement
Lilac are suitable for some partial shade or full sun. During the height of summer, some midday shade is advisable, particularly for smaller trees. If planted in a small container lilac may be in need of frost protection during winter.
Watering
Be sure to not let the roots dry out entirely, Lilac bonsai should be kept slightly moist consistently. As soon as the soil begins to feel dry water thoroughly. Avoid overwatering. Rain water and tap water are suitable.
Feeding & Fertilising
During the growing season, use either a liquid fertiliser once a week or a solid organic fertiliser once a month. Both can be used. Products with high potassium and phosphorous content can be used to promote flowering.
Pruning & Wiring
Pruning your bonsai is important not only to create or maintain an aesthetic style but to also ensure optimal health. Overgrown leaves can be pruned during the growing season. Young shoots should be allowed to extend to three or four nodes before being pruned back to a single pair or leaves.
Intricate wiring of branches and twigs should be done in the winter with no leaves obstructing. Young shoots are best wired across the growing season. Take considerable care wiring older stiff and brittle branches. We recommend using wires that match the branch’s thickness: if the wire you choose is too thick you will damage the bark. If it is too thin, it won’t be effective.
Repotting
Repotting your tree is an important way to provide a fresh and suitable soil mix and ensure appropriate root health. Lilac bonsai should be repotted every other year at the start of spring. An older lilac bonsai can be repotted less frequently.
Trees that are ready for repotting will require root pruning, a suitable new pot and appropriate soil mix.
When repotting, do not cut back the root mass by a large amount, and choose a well-draining soil mix that has a neutral or slightly higher PH value of 5-6 but not over 7. We tend to use a mixture of different speciality bonsai soils on our trees. Every species is different so please contact us for free soil-mix advice or to take advantage of our repotting service.
Bonsai trees aren’t only magnificent additions to an indoor oasis, they are more than capable of standing out in any garden. Many Bonsai species are incredibly hardy and withstand nature’s colder and damper turns with aplomb making them worthwhile outdoor plants. We have an extensive library of care guides for outdoor bonsai trees. It’s not about selecting the perfect bonsai, it’s about selecting the perfect bonsai for you.
Lilac Bonsai - Typical Queries
How to propagate a Lilac bonsai?
Lilac bonsai can be propagated with seeds, root saplings or cuttings. It can also be done with air layering. Seeds should be sown when ripe in Spring. Greenwood cuttings can be taken in early summer. Air layering should take place in early Summer.
Is Lilac bonsai prone to pests and diseases?
This species is seldom prone to pests or diseases but can be the recipient of a few. Leaf miners, caterpillars, scale and lilac ash borers can attack this plant. Diseases can include powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, lea spot fungus, shoot blight, bacterial blight and Phytophthora. Specific pesticides will address these.
Can you keep a Lilac bonsai indoors?
It is not advised to keep a Lilac bonsai indoors, this specimen enjoys full sun and good aeration, only require protection from strong frosts.
