Acid-loving Lilacs?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
pennyjb1 Gurnee, IL May 13, 2010

Hi all from northern Illinois. Winter sleet snapped a bunch of my mom's evergreen bushes (arborvitae or junipers). Now that they are cut down, she misses the privacy they provided, as well as the haven for birds.

I know she loves lilacs. I wondered if we could plant some tall growing lilacs between the stumps. It would solve the privacy problem, and give her a beautiful view. Plus the birds would love them.

Does anyone know if lilacs would do well where evergreen needles have long covered the ground and made it quite acidic?

Thanks!!

Post #7790820
Quote
pastime Waterman, IL(Zone 5a) May 14, 2010

If your mom's soil has a pH of 6.5 or less, you can amend it by adding (1/2 cup) horticultural limestone to the planting hole before you plant the lilacs. Have you tested the soil where you want to plant the lilacs? You can get soil test kits at Lowe's or Home Depot. They aren't expensive. I read lilacs can take some soil acidity. They don't like wet feet though.

Post #7791703
Quote
Haystack Ferndale, WA May 15, 2010

Pastime is spot on concerning lilacs. We grow a lot of them here in Western Washington, State. Wet feet won't be a problem if you amend the soil so you get good drainage around the root system. Hydrated limestone sprinkled around the drip line once every spring after planting will take care of over acidic soil. They don't mind acidic soil in some measure, just not to much. Good luck, and lilacs are a great choice...HAY.

Post #7796425
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP