Dwarf Korean lilac is one of the subspecies of Syringa under the name Syringa meyeri. It is well known for its beautiful lilac appearance and captivating fragrance.
Though it is known as Korean lilac and has the nickname of “Miss Kim”, the plant was first found in Beijing by Frank Meyer.
Its characteristic and easy maintenance has made the flowering plant an excellent choice for the garden.
Some planters see the lilac as a flower bush, while some others may group it to small tree.
With a little work on the layout, the Korean lilac bush would enhance the look of your garden.
Table of Contents
1. General Characteristic of Dwarf Korean Lilac
In general, lilac varieties or Syringa are small trees that may range from 2 – 10 meters in height.
The main stem has a diameter of 20 – 30 centimeters. However, the dwarf version like the Korean lilac bush only grows up to 1.5 meters with small stems.
This makes the Korean lilac is an alternative to choose if you want to have a look and the fragrance of the lilac without taking too much space in the garden.
Syringa’s foliage grows in whorls with different sizes in each subspecies. It is glossy and tends to be reluctant to mildew.
In fall, the foliage may turn to a copper color before it falls down. Similar to the flower, the foliage also grows dense and vigorously in a rather round shape.
Almost all the types of flowers have a shade of purple—hence the name “lilac”.
The common lilac grows in large panicles, while dwarf Korean lilac has a smaller bush of flowers with a hint of white and pink on the lilac flowers.
In spring, the flowers grow profusely, almost covering all part of the bush.
2. Planting Korean Lilac on Your Garden
Though it comes from a subtropical climate area of the globe, the Syringa meyeri can grow on the northern climate with a bit of extra maintenance in cold season.
The important aspects to consider are:
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Sunlight
The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Since it is not possible to plant the shrub on a pot, you may want to pick a spot that receives full sunlight even in colder months.
In the United States, this shrub may grow well on the hardiness zone of 3 through 7.
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Soil
Almost any planting soil would work with this Korean lilac tree. As long as you keep a moderate level of moisture of the soil, the plant would grow very well especially with abundant sunlight.
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Watering
The key to a successful dwarf Korean lilac caring is consistent watering. You need to keep the soil moist by watering it regularly.
However, in the extreme heat of summer, you might want to pay more attention to the level of the water on the soil.
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Pruning
The common lilac may bloom after 5 years, but it only takes a whole year for the dwarf Korean lilac to blossom.
Though the plant would need extra care in winter, you may want to wait until spring and see that the panicles have grown its bunch of lavender-colored lilacs.
3. Pests and Diseases
As a bush, dwarf Korean lilac is pretty much resistant to pests and diseases. Still, you need to worry about other annoyance that comes from animals like wild rabbits.
They may come to nibble the flower, so keeping the plant inside a fence should be a logical solution.
It may also attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies which cannot be classified as pests.
4. Harvesting
Though the dwarf Korean lilac is not commonly put on a vase, it is possible to do. Early in the morning on the blooming season, cut the stem with a sharp shearing knife.
Pick the panicles with long stems because it will stay fresh longer when you let some length of the stem to come with the flower.
5. Other Maintenance
Fertilizer may be given yearly, using the organic one to make it grow even healthier.
Though it can be classified as a rugged bush of flowers, it is better to remove bad flowers and foliage to keep it growing strong.
Withered flowers may spread if you don’t remove it regularly.
The height and the bush shape of the Korean lilac made the plant suitable for bordering bush on your garden.
It is best suited with other dark-foliaged bushes, and you can see that the soft purple flowers stand out to catch all the attention.
6. The Symbolism of Dwarf Korean Lilac and How to Have It for Your Home
One of the best things of this beautiful flowering bush is that the dwarf Korean lilac has a sweet-scented fragrance that will refresh the whole house.
No wonder, the plant has been long known as a symbol of the emotions of love.
As it blooms in spring, the lilac varieties have been said as the harbinger of spring. It signals the first days of spring once the flowers are starting to flourish.
Asides from all the Korean lilac symbolism, placing lilac flowers on a vase inside your house would surely decorate the room.
The fragrance can be described as sweet and spicy which will most be exposed in warm and sunny weather.
To keep it fresh on a vase longer, cut the flower in long stems in 45 degrees in direction. You may also want to prune it the first thing in the morning when the flowers are best hydrated.
Make sure that you keep the leaves out from the water to avoid wilting. Lastly, you can dilute the water with some drops of floral preservative which you can find in florist or planting shops.
This Miss Kim shrub is best placed outdoor as borders in the garden. Another layout to pick is to put two shrubs on the entrance of your patio.
You may also like :
- Adding Colors to Your Garden in Winter: Plant a Helleborus Flower
- Growing Candytuft Flower in the Garden: Planting and Care Guide
In conclusion, if you are looking for a flowering bush that is easy to maintain, smells and looks good, the dwarf Korean lilac is definitely a plant to consider.
How often do I water my 3 yr old dwarf lilac tree in mid October?