How fast do lilacs grow?

by Monica Peterson
(Ashtabula, OH)

The Arbor Day Foundation sent me a small (approx. 10") bareroot lilac. It was already coming out of the dormant stage when it arrived. I have planted it in a sunny spot near the road. How should I expect it to take to double in size, and how soon should it flower?

Doug says that lilacs are fast growers. You should expect to see at least 6-8 inches of growth per year on this plant. It will flower in a few years when it has good root growth.

The interesting thing about lilacs is that if you fertilize them well to get them to grow quickly, they will grow but not flower. It is only when you stop feeding them well that they'll kick into early bloom. We see that a lot when container grown lilacs (blooming in the pot) are moved to the garden. The resulting growth spurt slows down blooming and it can be several years before the plant reblooms. (but it's growing up) :-)

So grow the plant in a healthy way - a shovel or two of compost in the fall - and relax. It will get there if you're giving it full hot sun.