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When Should Lilacs Be Planted in Upstate South Carolina?

Timing is crucial when planting lilacs (Syringa spp.), particularly in southern climates. Although established lilacs are generally hardy, newly planted shrubs need time to develop healthy root systems before summer’s heat. Typically considered cool-weather plants, lilacs are usually planted in spring or fall. Although most lilacs do not thrive in the South, South Carolina’s upstate area at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is cool enough for many lilacs, particularly the heat-tolerant varieties.

  1. Planting Time

    • In South Carolina, lilacs can be planted from fall to early spring, as long as the ground is not frozen. Because cool spring weather is often short lived in the South, planting a lilac in spring may not allow enough time for roots to become established before the heat of summer. Fall planting gives roots the maximum time to grow, enabling the plant to direct nutrients to the spreading root system while the upper portion of the plant is dormant.

    Planting Site

    • To bloom properly, lilacs need approximately six hours of sun daily during the growing season. They prefer a sunny, open site with fertile, well-draining soil. A mixture of three-fourths potting soil to one-fourth compost or cow manure can be used to improve poor soil. Good air circulation is important for lilacs, especially in the humid South, because many varieties are susceptible to the powdery mildew fungus (Microsphaera alni). Lilac bushes should be spaced at least 6 feet apart, with ideal spacing depending on the species.

    Winter Dormancy

    • Most lilacs, such as the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 7, require a period of winter dormancy to bloom. In areas with mild winters, lilacs may grow but fail to bloom in spring because they lack enough prolonged cold to sustain winter dormancy. The upstate region of South Carolina falls within USDA zones 7a and 7b, with the coldest areas lying along the northern border of North Carolina. Extreme winter lows can range between 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, making it cold enough for many varieties of lilac to thrive, particularly in the northernmost mountains.

    Heat-Tolerant Varieties

    • Although common lilacs will grow in the mountainous areas of South Carolina, much of the upstate region is too warm for these cold-hardy plants. Fortunately, some species of lilac require fewer cold hours for winter dormancy and are more tolerant of warm southern climates. Cut leaf lilac (Syringa laciniata), which grows in USDA zones 4 to 8a, is a good option for the upstate area. Manchurian lilac or “Miss Kim” (Syringa pubescens patula) and Meyer lilac (Syringa meyeri "Palibin"), both of which grow in USDA zones 3 to 8, are also suitable for southern climates. All three of these lilacs are heat tolerant and resistant to powdery mildew.

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Shrubs
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