How do you prepare lilacs for winter?
I. Introduction
II. What Is Winter Heave
III. Benefits of Mulching
IV. How to Mulch
V. Covering for Colder Temperatures
VI. Blankets
VII. Plastic Tents
VIII. Burlap
IX. Tips for Winterizing Lilacs
X. Other Plants to Winterize
XI. Conclusion
Winterizing Lilacs: How to Protect Your Precious Blooms
As a flower gardening enthusiast, you may have a special place in your heart for lilacs, and for good reason! These delicate blooms can add beauty and fragrance to your garden all season long — but only if you properly prepare them for winter.
Winter heave is one of the biggest threats to lilacs, and other plants, during the colder months of the year. To prevent this exposure of roots due to freezing and thawing, it’s important that you take the right steps now — before winter arrives in full force.
What Is Winter Heave?
Winter heave is a phenomenon caused by freezing temperatures and sudden thaws during the winter months that can cause plants’ roots to be exposed above ground level. This can be incredibly damaging to your plants, since their root systems are vital for drawing water and nutrients from the soil.
Benefits of Mulching
Mulching is one of the most effective ways to protect your plants from winter heave — and it’s surprisingly simple! All you need to do is add 3-4 inches of organic mulch material around the base of each plant.
Mulch helps insulate both the roots and soil from extreme temperatures, keeping them at an even temperature throughout the season.
How To Mulch
- Choose a mulch material:
Organic mulches include compost, shredded bark or wood chips, shredded leaves, or hay/straw. - Spread evenly around base:
Spread 3-4 inches of your chosen material evenly around each plant’s base. - Top off with more mulch:
Check each plant after a few weeks or whenever heavy snowfall has melted away some of the mulch and top off as needed.
Covering For Colder Temperatures
Blankets:
For shrubs that are particularly sensitive to cold temperatures, you can use blankets as an additional layer of protection against frost damage.
Plastic Tents:
If harsh weather persists into late winter or early spring, plastic tents may be necessary for protecting new buds from extreme cold.
Burlap:
Burlap can also be used as an additional layer over vulnerable shrubs during these times.
Tips For Winterizing Lilacs
- Add extra insulation around root zone:
Adding extra insulation (i.e., leaves) around the root zone will help keep your lilac warmer on colder days. - Prune dead/damaged branches:
Remove any dead or damaged branches so they don’t contribute to excess moisture buildup in the soil around your lilac’s roots. - Avoid fertilizing late in fall:
Fertilizing late in fall will encourage new growth which is more susceptible to cold damage during winter months – stick with early fall fertilizing instead!
Other Plants To Winterize
While lilacs are certainly among the most susceptible plants when it comes to winter weather damage, other blooms should also be prepared for colder temperatures! Here are a few other flowers you’ll want to take extra care of during winter months:
* Hydrangeas * Roses * Peonies * Hibiscus * Azaleas * Chrysanthemums * Marigolds * Lavender * Geraniums * Sunflowers * Dahlias * Daylilies
Conclusion
Preparing your garden for winter doesn’t have to be difficult – just remember that each type of flower needs different care when it comes time for colder temperatures! By following these tips on how to best protect your delicate lilacs (and other flowers) you’ll ensure that they make it through those chilly months unscathed – ready once again come springtime!
