Crimson Doll™ Lilac Tree

Crimson Doll Lilac is easy to establish. Give it sun, well-drained soil, and a little patience through the first season.

Unboxing

• Open right away. Remove packaging, set the plant in bright indirect light, and water the root ball if the soil feels dry.
• Let it adjust. Keep it outdoors in a sheltered spot for a few days before planting if it shipped during hot or cold weather.

Planting

1. Pick a sunny site. Six or more hours of direct sun gives the heaviest bloom and best fragrance; light afternoon shade is fine in hot climates.
2. Check drainage. Lilacs dislike soggy soil. Choose a spot that drains freely, or plant on a slight mound in heavy clay.
3. Dig wide, not deep. Make the hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
4. Set the crown level. Position the top of the root ball even with the surrounding soil, then backfill with native soil and firm gently.
5. Water in. Soak thoroughly to settle the soil, then add 2 to 3 inches of mulch, keeping it off the stems.
6. Space for airflow. Allow 4 to 6 feet between plants, or 3 to 4 feet for a tighter low hedge.

Container Growing

• Size up. Use a 10 to 15 gallon pot with drainage holes and a quality potting mix.
• Water more often. Containers dry faster, so check the top inch of soil every few days in summer.

Watering

• First season. Water deeply once or twice a week, more in extreme heat, to establish the roots.
• After establishment. Water during dry spells only; established lilacs tolerate short droughts.

Feeding

• Feed in early spring. Apply a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer as new growth begins.
• Go easy on nitrogen. Too much promotes leaves instead of flowers.
• Sweeten the soil. Lilacs prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil; a little garden lime helps in acidic ground.

Pruning

• Prune right after spring bloom. Next year's flower buds form in summer, so late pruning removes them.
• Deadhead spent clusters. Removing faded flowers tidies the plant and encourages summer rebloom.
• Thin lightly. Remove any dead or crossing stems to keep air moving through the canopy.

How big does Crimson Doll Lilac get?

It matures at about 3 to 5 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, which is considerably smaller than traditional lilacs that can reach 10 feet or more.

Is it really fragrant?

Yes. The reddish-pink flowers carry the classic sweet lilac perfume, so it is worth planting near a walkway, patio, or entry.

Will it bloom more than once a season?

The main show is in spring. It will occasionally rebloom in summer, especially with good watering and deadheading, but the summer flush is a bonus rather than a guarantee.

How cold hardy is it?

It is hardy to USDA zone 4 and also heat tolerant, so it performs well from northern gardens through the warmer end of its range in zone 8.

Can I grow it in a container?

Yes. Its compact size makes it a good fit for a 10 to 15 gallon pot with drainage. Container plants need more frequent watering and benefit from a sheltered spot in the coldest winters.

Why isn't my lilac blooming?

The most common causes are too much shade, pruning at the wrong time of year, or too much nitrogen fertilizer. Prune only right after the spring flowers fade and give the plant at least six hours of sun.