Japanese Lilac Tree

Question

Hi there, we have a Japanese Lilac Tree and we might be moving, I know I can't take it with me but is there anyway I can take a slip of it with me and start it? There are so many seeds on it from where the actual Lilacs bloomed, can I start those somehow? I love this tree, we bought it for our 19 Anniversary 4 years ago and will be sad to leave it behind but would love if we could take a piece of it with us. We are in Ontario Canada
Thanks, Connie

Douglas Hunt · Answer

You can try to propagate the seeds, Connie, although your new plant may not come true if your Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata) is a cultivar. Cornell University did an extensive study of propagating your tree and found the best results were achieved with banding, which involves the localized exclusion of light from the part of the stem that will become the cutting base. I don't know if you have time for that before you move, but you have nothing to lose by trying a cutting. I would probably dip it in rooting compound just to be on the safe side. The whole Cornell report is here: http://www.hort.cornell.edu/uhi/research/articles/IntPlantProp37.pdf If you want to try seeds as well, there are some tips here: http://grow.ars-informatica.ca/plant.php?L=425&nm=Syringa%20reticulata

Connie Murray · Answer

Awesome, thanks for the information. It sounds like it might be easier to buy another one once we move :)

Sensible Gardening and Living · Answer

With one in my yard I can understand why you don't want to leave it behind. As soon as you get settled in your new home get another one started.

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

Why not take it with you? If you can dig a large enough hole and deep enough and buy some burlap to encase the root ball, I would take it with. Or buy a big enough pot to transplant it in~I have several bushes and even a Japanese Maple in a pot. Sure it will be heavy. then I would go buy something else to put in the empty hole. I have moved many trees, shrubs, and plants. I would try to dig it up after a good rain and start the outside of the circle at the end of the majority of the branches and use a spade so that you can dig deep. Go down about a foot and a half to 2 feet and go all the way around the plant. I have moved this size of tree with no problems. I just take my time and talk to it. After you get it dug up and replanted keep it watered every day unless there is rain. I am sentimental when it comes to plants so I had to suggest this.

Lawn Pro · Answer

much better to buy a new one than have the heartache of loosing it.

Tommy Roberts · Answer

DON'T DIG IT UP! Not a nice thing to do. Leave the love for the next people to enjoy, and be fair to the tree. Besides if you already sold the property, the new buyers will think all landscaping is inculded.

Debra Gordon · Answer

If you want to propagate a lilac without digging up new shoots you can always take cuttings from a healthy lilac and start each cutting as a new plant. With a little care you can root lilac cuttings in a prepared pot in the late summer to early fall and it will be ready for planting out by the middle to end of spring. Remember, however, that lilacs live for 100 years, so only take as many cuttings as you have permanent locations in which to plant them. This is how I propagate most trees, and have had great success with a root hormone I buy from Home Depot called Rootone. I used 3 to 1 mix of sand and good potting soil. Good Luck! _Dhee Read more: How to Root Lilac Cuttings | Garden Guides http://www.gardenguides.com/101668-root-lilac-cuttings.html#ixzz2bl55PqZL

Debra Gordon · Answer

PS- When you take your cuttings, keep them wet until you can start your rooting process. Plant your clippings as soon as possible and make sure each clipping is at least 6 to 8 inches in length. Clip at an angle where the nodes are... -Dhee

Connie Murray · Answer

I am hoping that our house sells quickly, if so then I would try to start a new one, but if doesn't sell quickly I am not sure that I would be able to even get a clipping. Our weather starts turning cold here in September and we usually have snow by November lasting into May!!!

Maria Maxey · Answer

I love lilac trees.Since i moved from new england to florida.I'm still looking for my beautiful lilac tree,but i heard that its to hard to grow here.But thats not true.BEcause wisteria lilac is from the same family.Just haven't been able to aford one yet for my love lilac tree

Connie Murray · Answer

I will be buying a new Japanese Lilac Tree next Spring once we are moved and settled in the new place. They are expensive and ours is 5 years old now so it is well established and will be hard to replace unless I buy one that is about the same age. We'll wait and see what happens once we move

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