How to Grow and Care for Bloomerang® Lilac

Lilac lovers often feel that the bloom is just too short. Lilac bushes bloom for about two weeks in May, and before you know it, it’s already over. Gardeners who cannot get enough of the looks and fragrance of lilac have the option to plant late-blooming varieties. Or, they can add a Bloomerang® lilac to their landscape or patio.

Bloomerang, first introduced in 2009, is a registered trademark hybrid, which means that its name is protected as a brand. Only the nursery that bred it is allowed to propagate the lilac and sell it under the name Bloomerang lilac.

In May, around the same time as the common lilac, Bloomerang blooms heavily. In June, the shrub takes a break before starting to bloom again in July until the first frost.

The spring bloom is different from the summer and fall bloom, when the panicles are smaller and darker in color than in the spring.

The beautiful color and fragrance of the re-blooming lilac are not just for humans—butterflies and hummingbirds will seek it out as well.

How to Care for Bloomerang Lilac

Hybrids like Bloomerang lilac are bred for best performance and disease-resistance. As such, they are a low-maintenance and almost carefree shrub for borders, foundations, and privacy screens. Bloomerang can be planted as a specimen, in small groups, or as mass plantings.

Light

Bloomerang does best in full sun. It can tolerate partial shade, but it comes at the cost of reduced bloom.

Soil

Like all lilacs, Bloomerang prefers soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil can be neutral to slightly alkaline. Good drainage is essential; lilacs do poorly in soggy, wet soil.

Water

Mulch around the base of your lilac to retain moisture. In long dry periods, water it moderately but regularly when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Temperature and Humidity

Like most lilacs, Bloomerang needs an extended period of cold winter weather in order to bloom profusely. This makes lilacs unsuitable for hot climates. While Bloomerang lilac can be planted through zone 7, it is best grown in areas with cooler summers. In areas with hot summers, the lilac is better off in locations that provide some shelter from the strong afternoon sun.

The shrub is not affected by humidity unless the weather is very hot and humid, which will slow down the reblooming.

Fertilizer

Fertilize Bloomerang lilacs twice, the first time in early spring right after the ground turns soft, and a second time after the spring bloom to give it a good boost for the continued summer bloom. Use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to encourage blooming, and avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, as it will encourage only foliage growth, not blooming.

Pruning

Bloomerang blooms on old and new wood and does not require pruning. For a neater appearance, you can remove the spent flowers after the spring bloom but it’s not essential. Never prune Bloomerang in fall, winter, or spring, as pruning will remove developing flower buds.

Varieties of Bloomerang Lilac

• Bloomerang Purple ‘Penda’ is a standard-size cultivar with lavender-colored flowers.
• Bloomerang Dark Purple ‘SMSJBP7’ is a standard-size cultivar with dark purple flowers.
• Bloomerang ‘Pink Perfume’ is another standard-size cultivar with pink flowers.
• Bloomerang Dwarf Pink ‘SMNJRPI’ is a compact dwarf cultivar that reaches only two to three feet in height and spread. It has pink flowers.
• Bloomerang Dwarf Purple ‘SMNJRPU’ is another compact dwarf cultivar with purple flowers.

Growing Bloomerang Lilac in Containers

Unlike common lilac and other large varieties, Bloomerang can be grown in containers, especially the dwarf varieties. Keep in mind that lilacs, even compact varieties, have an extensive root system. The container should be large, at least 18 inches in diameter.

Before you start, check out the common container gardening mistakes, such as filling the container in the wrong place. The correct 18-inch container for a Bloomerang lilac holds about 15 gallons and moving it after you planted can be cumbersome. Make sure your container has a drainage hole to prevent root rot.

Sufficient watering is crucial to keep your Bloomerang lilac alive and blooming. Follow the instructions for watering container plants.

Common Pests/Diseases

Bloomerang lilac is more resistant to powdery mildew and leaf spots than common lilac. Because powdery mildew, a fungus, thrives in humid weather, ensure good air circulation in and around your Bloomerang lilac by giving it enough space. Plant shrubs at least 60-72 inches apart.

It is also deer-resistant.