How Fast Does a Dwarf Lilac Tree Grow?

Types

• Two common dwarf lilacs used to make a dwarf tree form are the dwarf Korean lilac (Syringa meyeri Palibin) and the Miss Kim lilac (Syringa patula Miss Kim). Any lilac shrub that matures 8 to 10 feet tall could be regarded as a dwarf lilac and becomes more tree-like when lowest branches are pruned away.

Growth Rate

• Dwarf-type lilacs typically add 4 to 6 inches of branch length annually in ideal growing conditions. A fertile, moist but well-drained soil that isn't acidic in pH is ideal for growing lilacs. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight also is needed, especially if you want flowers to form in spring.

Considerations

• Dwarf lilacs tolerate heavy pruning. If it's an established plant and you prune back severely in late spring, the rejuvenating growth is thick and vigorous, perhaps growing as much as 10 to 18 inches or more the first summer.