Lilac Tree Propagation

Preparation

• Lilac trees are easy to propagate by taking soft wood cuttings from the parent plant and growing them in a potting container. Soft wood cuttings need a loose, well-drained rooting medium to develop properly after cutting. Mix one part coarse sand with one part perlite and two parts vermiculite to create a well-draining planting medium that retains soil moisture. Place the soil mixture into a planting container with a drainage hole to allow excess water to easily drain.

Cuttings

• Soft wood cuttings are made from new growth on lilac trees in late spring. Cut a 4- to 6-inch portion from a healthy branch that has healthy new growth. Make the cut with sharp pruning shears just below where two leaves meet the stem. Remove leaves from the lower half of the cutting to create a miniature tree shape. Dip the base of the cutting in a root-promoting powder and plant the cuttings in the prepared growing medium. Take several cuttings to increase the chances of successfully propagating lilac trees.

Care

• Place the planting containers with lilac tree cuttings in a bright location but avoid placing them in direct sunlight. Water the cuttings daily to maintain soil moisture, and monitor the plants carefully for signs of new growth. Cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag to help maintain humidity if the soil dries out too quickly. Lilac tree cuttings should root and develop new growth in six to eight weeks. Gently dig up the cuttings after six weeks to look for root development. Once roots have developed, transplant the healthiest cuttings that exhibit the most growth to regular potting soil, and move the plant outdoors to harden the plant. Water regularly and ensure that the plant continues to develop new growth before planting it in your landscape.

Site Preparation and Planting

• Choose a planting location in your landscape that has well-drained soil and full sunlight. Lilac trees can grow in partial shade, but their spring show of flowers will not be as robust as those of plants growing in full sunlight. Prepare the planting site by mixing in organic compost to provide additional nutrients for the cuttings and help improve moisture retention in the soil. Plant the cuttings to the same depth as in the rooting container and water thoroughly to settle the roots. Water young plants regularly to maintain soil moisture for the first few years.