How to Grow and Care for Bloomerang® Lilac

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

Bloomerang lilacs, first introduced in 2009, are registered trademark hybrids, which means that its name is protected as a brand. Only the breeder is allowed to propagate this series of lilacs and sell them under the name Bloomerang.

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 prized by humans—butterflies and hummingbirds will seek it out as well.

How to Care for Bloomerang Lilacs

Hybrids like the 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 lilacs can be planted as a specimen plant, in small groups, or as mass plantings.

Light

Bloomerang lilacs do best in full sun. They can tolerate partial shade but will not produce as many blooms.

Soil

Like all lilacs, Bloomerang prefers soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline. Lilacs do not like acidic soil (pH 6.5 or lower). 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 as far south as USDA hardiness zone 7, it is best grown in areas with cooler summers. In areas with hot summers, the lilac fares better 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 reblooming.

Fertilizer

Fertilize Bloomerang lilacs twice, the first time in early spring right after the ground becomes 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 because too much nitrogen encourages foliage growth not blooms.

Pruning

Bloomerang lilacs bloom on old and new wood (last year's stems and this year's new stem growth), and because of its fairly small size does not require regular pruning. If you want to shape the plant, prune it immediately after flowering. For a neater appearance, you can remove spent flowers right after flowering in spring, but it’s not essential. Never prune Bloomerang lilacs in fall, winter, or spring, because pruning at that time will remove developing flower buds.

Varieties of Bloomerang Lilac

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

Growing Bloomerang Lilac in Containers

Unlike common lilac and other larger lilac species, Bloomerang lilacs 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, review these common container gardening mistakes, such as filling a container with potting soil before it is placed in its final location. An 18-inch diameter container for a Bloomerang lilac holds about 15 gallons of soil and moving it after you planted can be cumbersome. Make sure your container has drainage holes that allow water to drain thoroughly and prevent root rot.

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

Common Pests/Diseases

Bloomerang lilac is more resistant to powdery mildew and leaf spots than common lilacs. Because powdery mildew, a fungus, thrives in humid weather, ensure good air circulation in and around your Bloomerang lilac by giving it enough space to mature. Plant shrubs at least five to six feet apart. Bloomerang lilacs are deer resistant, rarely damaged by deer.