University of Florida

Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Joly'

Common name(s): Common Lilac, Old-Fashioned Lilac

Plant type: deciduous large shrub
Primary method of propagation: seed
Alternate propagation method(s): cutting, layering, grafting/budding

Propagation by Cuttings

Cutting type: stem tip, root
Time of year to take cuttings: Summer
Cutting maturity: softwood, hardwood
Rooting hormone: IBA TALC 8000 PPM
Rooting environment: intermittent mist
Soil temperature for best rooting: 65-70 degrees F
Time to rooting: 4-8 weeks
Comment: Cuttings with mature leaves (vegetative shoots) are preferred rather than shoots with flower buds.

Propagation by Seed

Time of year to collect seed: early Autumn
Time of year to sow seed: Summer
Seed treatment: stratify 40 degrees F 2-3 months.
Comment: Mulch seed bed in the Fall.

Propagation by Layering

Type of Layering: trench
Time of year to layer: late Autumn
Wounding: no information

Propagation by Grafting

Time of year to graft: late Summer
Type of graft: whip, 'T'
Rootstock: S. villosa or Ligustrum ovalifolium or green ash
Comment: Grafting done in Jan. indoors and plants stored in cool storage room until Summer planting. Grafting is not a good way to propagate lilacs because of its suckering habits. The understock may take over the graft.