Miss Kim Lilac

If you are already into gardening, you might be aware about the popularity of lilac in landscaping project. The lovely flowers are equally fragrant, making them excellent species for hobbyists all across the globe. And with Miss Kim lilac (Syringa patula 'Miss Kim'), it fills the garden with a strong, yet pleasant fragrance. Indigenous to Korea, this lilac type has gained huge popularity as a ornamental plant in Midwestern regions of America.

Planting Miss Kim Lilac

The dark green, glossy Miss Kim lilac leaves make a contrasting color against the pale lavender blooms. A mature bush is about seven feet high and wide. This manageable plant size makes it a versatile ornamental species for all types of flower gardens and formal gardens. The plant is compact and nearly round, thus serving a perfect specimen or foundation species. Or, you can simply plant groups of this lilac in borders to create a background. All shrubs and bushes identified under Syringa are known for their pleasant fragrances. But, there is something unique about this bush. This type of lilac bush not only bears beautiful, scented blooms, but adds a winter interest to the yard with fall foliage. With the arrival of autumn, the foliage turns deep reddish purple in color. In short, Miss Kim lilac is appreciated for both scented blooms and fall foliage.

Ideal Location
This type of lilac bush is adaptable to USDA hardiness zones 3-7. Miss Kim lilac performs well and produces heavy flowers in sunlit areas. Ideally, the planting site should receive six hours of sunlight daily. However, when grown as a shrub for shaded areas, the amount of flower borne on the plant may be less.

Plantation Requirements
Prepare soil in such a way that it has no water draining problem. If required, supplement sand and organic compost before planting it. Dig a planting hole that will fit the root system, and add a handful of organic compost. Mix well and place the lilac. Backfill soil and tamp soil lightly. While growing this lilac bush in groups, maintain a spacing of 3-4 feet between two adjacent plants.

Care
Care for Miss Kim lilac is concentrated on regular watering. Remember that this perennial shrub is not tolerant to drought, as some of the lilac bushes are. So, stringent lilac bush care has to be followed for providing sufficient water and maintaining ideal humidity condition. With proper care tips, it will produce heavy blooms in spring.

Pruning
Pruning is done occasionally, in late spring and winter season. Wait till the blooming period is completed for pruning lilac bushes. Mark the weak, diseased and dead branches, and then prune them with sharp pruning shears. Also, remove branches randomly to avoid overcrowding effect.

Fertilizer
Fertilizing the plant with an appropriate lilac fertilizer should be done in early spring before flower buds develop. This will enhance the production of flowers. Also, consider supplying a low dose of fertilizer after the flowering season is over, so as to prepare your plant for the next bloom cycle.

Diseases
The advantage of this flowering plant over other lilac cultivars is its resistance to powdery mildew and other lilac diseases. Being less tolerant to dry soil, Miss Kim lilac leaves dropping is exhibited when exposed to prolonged dry spells. If you notice signs of wilting leaves, it is indication that your lilac bush requires more water.

As far as Miss Kim lilac growth rate is concerned, it is a slow growing shrub, with an average height increase to about 1-2 feet per year. The young flower buds are darker in color, and become pale pinkish lavender after opening. Remember that this dwarf lilac tree cannot withstand very hot and dry condition for an extended period, especially in its early stages of growth.