Lilacs are beloved for their intoxicating fragrance, stunning blooms in various shades of purple, and ease of care. Whether you’re looking for a compact variety for a small space or a classic lilac with deep purple flowers, there’s a perfect lilac for every (sunshine blessed) garden.
Optimal Conditions for Planting Right Now
Right NOW is bloom time – and PLANT time – for lilacs in West Michigan’s Zone 6. The soil has begun warming up and the daylight hours are long, providing optimal conditions for growth and establishment.
That quintessential spring smell of lovely lilacs is permeating throughout Knapp Valley Gardens right now, and blooms are popping out all over, making them our Plant of the Week.
Popular Lilac Varieties
Knapp Valley Gardens sells several varieties, we’ll take a closer look at four of our best sellers: Bloomerang, Charles Joly, Dwarf Korean, Miss Kim, and how to care for them, especially in Zone 6.
Bloomerang Lilac
Bloomerang lilac (Syringa x ‘Penda’) is a reblooming variety, meaning it flowers in spring and again in summer and fall. It grows 4-5 feet tall and prefers full sun. Bloomerang lilac is hardy in Zones 3-7, making it a great option for Zone 6.
Charles Joly Lilac
Charles Joly lilac (Syringa vulgaris ‘Charles Joly’) is a classic French lilac with deep magenta double flowers. It grows 8-15 feet tall and is highly fragrant. This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for Zone 6.
Dwarf Korean Lilac
Dwarf Korean lilac (Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’) is a small, rounded shrub that reaches 4-5 feet tall. It produces pale lavender blooms in spring and sometimes reblooms in late summer. This variety is hardy in Zones 3-7, making it well-suited for Zone 6. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Miss Kim Lilac
Miss Kim lilac (Syringa pubescens subsp. patula ‘Miss Kim’) is a compact, late-blooming variety with fragrant lavender-purple flowers. It grows 4-9 feet tall and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Unlike common lilacs, Miss Kim is resistant to powdery mildew, making it a great choice for humid climates.
Lilac Care in Zone 6
Lilacs are low-maintenance but benefit from proper care to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms. Here’s how to keep them thriving in Zone 6:
Sunlight
Lilacs need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming.
Soil
Lilacs prefer well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. If your soil is acidic, consider adding lime to adjust the pH.
Watering
Water lilacs deeply once a week, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering, as lilacs dislike soggy soil.
Pruning
Prune lilacs immediately after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent legginess. Remove dead or weak branches to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and blooming. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Add a Lilac Today!
Lilacs are a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden, and with the right care, they thrive in Zone 6. Whether you choose the compact Miss Kim, the reblooming Bloomerang, the classic Charles Joly, the smaller Dwarf Korean, or another variety all together, lilacs will bring years of beauty and fragrance to your West Michigan landscape.
