The Indian Lilac is a beautiful shrub that is covered with clusters of flowers all summer long. Its foliage turns flamboyant in autumn and it remains decorative even in winter thanks to its cinnamon-colored bark that peels off.
When to plant the Indian Lilac?
The Indian lilac (Lagestroemia) should be planted preferably in autumn, or in spring in the coldest regions. Choose a hardy variety, some of them can withstand temperatures of -10° C for a short period of time and once well established.
How to plant the Indian Lilac?
- Choose a sunny spot sheltered from the prevailing winds. The Indian lilac appreciates a rich and humus soil and a well drained soil.
- Soak the root ball in a large basin of water at room temperature to hydrate it before planting.
- Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball in all directions.
- If the excavated soil is poor, replace half its volume with good commercial potting soil and compost.
- Scratch the bottom of the hole and mix a bit of crushed horn into the soil which will help the plant to restart.
- Form a small mound at the bottom of the hole with the prepared soil.
- Place the roots of the shrub on this mound, adjusting the height so that the collar is flush with the soil.
- Fill in and pack down.
- Water abundantly and add some soil if necessary.
Pot culture: plant the Lagerstroemia in a large container (minimum 60 cm of sides and depth) with a hole at the bottom. Provide a layer of clay balls equal to 20% of the volume of the pot to ensure good drainage. Plant your Indian lilac in a mixture of good potting soil and compost with a shovelful of crushed horn powder. Water.
Maintenance of the Indian Lilac
For the first few years after planting, water copiously about twice a week in summer. Scrub manure at the foot of the tree in October. Apply a granular organic fertilizer in April and again in July to support the abundant flowering.
Prune the Indian Lilac in March by cutting back the previous year's shoots by half to induce the appearance of young flowering shoots. Take advantage of this to remove the dead wood and remove some branches that cross in the center of the shrub.
Mulch the base and install a winter cover in the coldest regions to protect the Indian lilac from freezing in winter.
Be careful: pay particular attention to the subjects planted in pots, as the mixture dries out very quickly. In summer, watering should be sustained. A contribution of liquid fertilizer for flowering shrubs every 15 days from May to August will be welcome.
