If you are familiar with lilac bushes, you must know how stunning these plants are. They produce bright-colored delicate blooms that attract plenty of pollinators. If you like the idea of getting frequent visits from honey bees and butterflies in your garden, lilac bushes might be your best solution.
Quick Answer:
…you can still grow lilac bushes in Georgia, as long as you select a suitable variety for your climate. For instance, ask for Miss Kim, Betsy Ross, White Angel, or Blue Boy lilacs for best results.
Lilacs work excellently as borders and hedges. They release a fragrant smell in the spring that will make your garden even more attractive during the flowering season. However, the South is not the ideal environment for these shrubs. Indeed, they are better suited to the mild climates of the Midwest and the northern parts of the country. These plants thrive in hardiness zones between 4 and 7. But can you grow these bushes in Georgia?
The good news is that Georgia falls into the USDA areas between 6 and 9. So, depending on where you live, you may have better luck planting lilacs in your garden. These plants are easy to grow: under optimal conditions, you won’t have to do too much to them to have them thrive. Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be familiar with their basic requirements. Indeed, these plants need sun, well-drained and rich soil, as well as adequate moisture to thrive.
But do Lilacs grow in Georgia? Keep reading the essential guide we put together for you to find out. Keep in mind that the challenge of planting lilacs in the South involves the little chilling hours during the winters. Indeed, for lilac bushes to produce flowers, they must stay over two thousand hours at temperatures below 45F. And the Atlanta area receives about 1,500 each year.
Do Lilacs Grow in Georgia?
Because lilacs require a set amount of chilling hours to produce flowers, it might be challenging to find lilacs that thrive in Georgia. But, the key to your success is to find varieties that don’t have such strict requirements of chill time.
The good news is that you can still grow lilac bushes in Georgia, as long as you select a suitable variety for your climate. For instance, ask for Miss Kim, Betsy Ross, White Angel, or Blue Boy lilacs for best results. Most Descanso Hybrids will grow in warmer temperatures. Ask your local nursery: they should have something you can grow successfully in Georgia.
If you like the idea of having plenty of blooms during the flowering season, your best bet is the cut leaf lilac. While the plant’s flowers are smaller than most lilacs, this variety seems to bloom every year in Georgia.
Of course, besides selecting the appropriate type of lilac for your region, you must also meet these plants’ basic requirements for them to thrive in your garden. Jump to the following sections to learn about our recommendations to make the most out of lilacs in Georgia.
Keep in mind that while it is possible to grow Lilacs in Georgia, you may have to be more careful with them than you would be in the Midwest, where these plants thrive without intervention.
Lilacs Care: Our Tips
Lilacs thrive under full sun and in well-draining soil. For best results, you must ensure your plants are moist but not wet at all times. Plus, you may benefit from carrying out a pH test: lilacs prefer neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. You may have to make amendments to recreate optimal conditions for lilac growth. Add lime to make your garden more alkaline.
Also, don’t forget to mulch around your plants to increase water retention and nutrient content. This practice will also regulate the soil temperature, protecting your lilacs from the hot temperatures of Georgian summers.
To keep your bush healthy, you must commit to regular pruning. Do it once per year during the winter (when these plants are dormant) to boost flower production in the spring. Doing so will maintain your shrub’s shape and contribute to making it more attractive. By eliminating the old and unhealthy-looking branches, you will also ensure proper airflow and limit the spread of diseases and fungal infections.
Do Lilacs Grow in Georgia?: The Bottom Line
Even if Georgia is not the ideal place to grow lilacs, you can try to plant them in your garden. Only, make sure you choose a variety that will survive and produce flowers even without so many chilly hours. Plus, give your plants all they need to thrive for better results.