How to stop Syringa/ Lilac from wilting when cut.
There's something utterly enchanting about the arrival of lilac season. For us it reminds us of visitin our “little” Nanny ( we had a “Big” Nanny too ) on a Sunday in May and coming home with stems and stems of Lilac for our school May altar. When I smell Lilac I am immediately transported back to my nanny’s Garden.
That sweet perfume is a sure sign that spring has well and truly sprung. Whether you're a green-fingered guru or simply love a beautiful bouquet, lilacs have a magic all their own. So, grab a cuppa, and let's delve into the delightful world of Syringa.
Growing Gorgeous Lilacs in your garden ( actually a great one for the non-greenfingered)
Now, Ireland's climate can be a bit… well, Irish. We get our fair share of rain, and the soil can vary quite a bit. But fear not, lilac lovers! These beauties are surprisingly adaptable. Here are my top tips for getting your Syringa to thrive in our lovely land:
Sunshine is Your Friend: Lilacs are sun worshippers. Aim to plant them in a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This will ensure plenty of those glorious blooms. A south or west-facing spot is usually ideal.
Well-Drained Soil is Key: Our sometimes soggy conditions mean good drainage is crucial. Lilacs don't like sitting in waterlogged soil. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with plenty of organic matter like well-rotted compost or manure to improve drainage. Think of it as giving their roots a nice, airy spa to relax in!
Shelter from Strong Winds: While hardy, those delicate flower panicles can be battered by strong winds. Choose a planting location that offers some protection, perhaps near a wall or hedge.
Planting Time: Autumn or late winter/early spring are generally the best times to plant lilacs in Ireland, giving them a chance to establish their roots before the main growing season.
Pruning for Perfection: Don't be shy with the secateurs! Prune your lilac annually, just after the flowers have faded. Remove spent flower heads to encourage better blooming next year. You can also prune out any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to keep the plant healthy and shapely. Think of it as giving your lilac a good haircut to keep it looking its best.
Feeding Frenzy (Not Really): Lilacs aren't heavy feeders. A light application of a balanced fertiliser in early spring can be beneficial, but avoid over-fertilising, which can lead to lots of leaves and fewer flowers.
How to stop my Cut Lilacs from wilting when I bring it indoors
There's nothing quite like bringing the scent of lilac indoors. But those delicate blooms can be a bit temperamental once cut. Here's our top tips to prevent lilac from wilting and make them last a little longer in your vase:
Timing is Everything: Cut your lilac stems in the cool of the morning when they are most hydrated. Choose stems where about half to two-thirds of the florets are open.
A Clean Cut is Crucial: Use sharp, clean secateurs to make a clean, angled cut. This maximises the surface area for water absorption.
Bash and Slash (Gently!): Once indoors, immediately recut the stems under water to prevent air bubbles from blocking the water uptake. Crushing or "hammering" the bottom inch or two of the woody stem will further aid water absorption. We also swear by placing the cut ends in boiling water (leave them in it) to seal the sap and help with water uptake – a bit dramatic, but it works!
Hydration Station: Change the water and re-cut the stems every couple of days.
Leaf it Out (Mostly): Remove any leaves that will fall below the waterline in the vase, as these will rot and contaminate the water, shortening the life of your blooms.
Cool and Shady Spot: Keep your vase of lilacs away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ripening fruit (which releases ethylene gas that can cause your lilac to wilt). A cool spot will help them last longer.
Lilacs in your flower design: A Florist's Perspective
As a florist, I adore working with lilacs. Their beautiful colours, delicate texture, and incredible fragrance make them a real showstopper. Here's my take on using them best:
Focal Point Fabulousness: Lilacs make stunning focal flowers in bouquets and arrangements. Their large, showy panicles draw the eye and create a sense of romance and abundance.
Fragrant Fillers: Even smaller sprigs of lilac add a wonderful fragrance and delicate texture to mixed bouquets. They pair beautifully with other spring blooms like tulips, daffodils, and peonies.
Wedding Wonders: Lilacs are a popular choice for spring weddings, adding a touch of elegance and romance to bridal bouquets, centrepieces, and ceremony décor.
Arches and Installations: A show stopper in large installations giving the guests and couple who walk under or beside it a waft of sweet scent that may trigger memories of the wedding day forever.
Simple Elegance: Sometimes, less is more. A simple vase filled with a single colour of lilac can be incredibly impactful and bring a burst of spring beauty indoors.
Short but Sweet Season: Be mindful that lilac season is relatively short, so make the most of them while they're available!
What shades of Lilac are available?
One of the many joys of lilacs is the stunning array of colours they come in. You're not just limited to that classic lilac hue! Here's a peek at the palette:
Lilac (or Lavender): The quintessential lilac colour, a beautiful soft purple that gives the plant its name.
White: Pure and elegant, white lilacs offer a fresh and sophisticated look.
Pink: From delicate blush to richer rose tones, pink lilacs add a touch of sweetness and charm.
Blue: Ranging from pale sky blue to deeper violet-blue, these varieties are often highly sought after.
Purple (or Magenta): Rich and vibrant, purple lilacs make a bold and beautiful statement.
Yellow (Creamy): While less common, there are varieties with creamy yellow or pale primrose flowers, offering a unique twist.
Bicolour: Some varieties even display two-toned flowers, adding extra interest.
When are Lilac in season?
Here in Ireland, we can generally expect to see lilacs bursting into bloom from late April to late May, sometimes extending into early June depending on the variety and the weather conditions.
The peak bloom usually occurs in May, filling our gardens and vases with their glorious colour and scent. Keep an eye out as the days lengthen and the temperatures gently rise – that's your cue that the lilac magic is about to happen!
So there you have it, Lilacs are a true gift of spring, bringing beauty and fragrance to our gardens and homes. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy their delightful presence year after year.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I can smell a lilac calling my name from the garden… happy growing and arranging!