Lilacs are superior performers when it comes to blooming. They develop buds in the fall which overwinter and burst into color and scent in spring. Some tender types of lilacs can be hurt by winter freezes, but most can handle USDA zones 4 or even 3. With proper pruning and some tender loving care in the spring, the plants do very well through a harsh winter and don’t need any extra lilac care during the winter.
Lilacs are one of the most winter hardy ornamental plants around. Do lilacs need cold protection? They can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees F. (-40 C. ) but may need some protection from icy winds that damage the flower buds. They need well-draining soil to prevent frozen water from damaging their roots and killing the tree. Lilacs that have not been grafted are hardier than those that have been grafted to rootstock. Lilac winter care starts with good siting and a healthy plant. The plant needs at least eight hours of sunshine and alkaline to neutral soil. When picking a spot to plant, don’t put them up against a light-colored wall or building, as the reflection can cause winter burn. They make a brilliant front of house display and darker buildings can actually afford lilac winter protection. However, avoid planting them too close to the foundation, as their roots can cause issues over time. Prune off the spent flower heads to help promote bud formation. Winterizing lilac shrubs is not the intensive process it is for sensitive plants.
Lilacs are stunning spring-blooming shrubs known for their incredibly fragrant flowers that come in shades of purple, pink, white, and more. But as winter approaches, many gardeners wonder – do lilacs lose their leaves in winter?
The short answer is yes. Lilacs are deciduous plants, meaning they drop their leaves each fall before going dormant for winter.
Below we’ll explore the leaf cycle of lilacs and how to care for them as their foliage changes with the seasons.
Lilac Leaf Growth Habits
Lilacs are in the olive family Oleaceae. Like others in this family lilacs are deciduous shrubs that lose their leaves annually.
In spring, usually April or May, lilac bushes leaf out with broad, heart-shaped green leaves. Leaves emerge soon after bloom and provide the food the plant needs via photosynthesis.
Lilac leaves grow on stems in an opposite pattern. Each leaf has 3-7 leaflets with toothed edges. Size ranges from 2 to 5 inches long.
Through summer, lilac foliage remains green and full, soaking up sunshine. This prepares the plant for the next year’s bloom.
When Do Lilacs Lose Their Leaves?
Come autumn, usually September through November, lilac foliage transforms. Leaves turn bright yellow or dull brown before dropping from branches.
The timing varies based on climate and the first frost date:
- In warmer zones (7-9), leaves fall in late October to November
- In cooler zones (3-6), leaves typically drop in September to mid-October
According to the owner of Tin Roof Garden, Beth Luck, lilac leaves do not fall off until the first freeze. Lilac stems are currently dying from the bottom upward, turning the leaves brown, drying out and falling off.
Leaf drop starts from the bottom of the plant and works upward. It progresses slowly over weeks. A heavy frost often strips any remaining leaves all at once.
By late fall, the lilac bush is left bare and leafless. This dormant state allows it to conserve energy through winter’s cold.
Why Do Lilac Leaves Fall Off?
Deciduous plants like lilacs are genetically programmed to drop leaves in autumn. But why does this happen?
There are several benefits to losing leaves annually:
-
Prevents water loss: Without leaves, the plant loses less moisture to winter winds.
-
Avoids cell damage: Freezing temperatures can burst cells in evergreen leaves. Shedding leaves prevents this.
-
Cuts transpiration: Leafless plants don’t expend energy on transpiration, conserving resources.
-
Discourages pests: Overwintering pests have fewer places to hide on bare branches.
-
Allows light: More sunlight reaches emerging flower buds without leaf blockage.
Lilacs essentially shut down their food production systems for winter. Shedding leaves helps them survive until growing conditions improve in spring.
Caring for Leafless Lilacs in Winter
Lilacs in winter require minimal care. But here are a few tips for looking after leafless lilacs until spring:
-
Continue watering during dry periods to prevent winter desiccation. Prioritize younger plants.
-
Mulch around the base to insulate roots from hard freezes. 2-4 inches is ideal.
-
Prune only dead or damaged branches to avoid removing developing flower buds.
-
Wrap bush with burlap if extreme cold (below -40°F) is expected to protect from wind damage.
-
Apply dormant spray of horticultural oil to deter overwintering pests and diseases.
Avoid excess pruning or fertilizing over winter. Your leafless lilacs simply need protection from harsh elements until warmer weather returns.
When Do Lilac Leaves Return in Spring?
As temperatures warm in early spring, lilac bushes begin awakening from winter dormancy. Leaves emerge soon after blooms fade.
Timing varies by climate zone, but is generally:
- Zones 7-9: mid-March to early April
- Zones 5-6: mid to late April
- Zones 3-4: early to mid May
Look for the first new leaves to appear near the tips of branches. Leaf out then progresses down the stems over several weeks.
Feed plants a balanced fertilizer once leaves reach half size to fuel spring growth. Water regularly if rainfall is lacking.
Within a month or two of emergence, leaves will be fully sized and lilac bushes back to their vibrant green summer state.
Signs of a Problem With Lilac Leaves
Lilacs naturally lose their leaves when going dormant. But sometimes leaf issues can indicate other problems:
-
Leaves dropping early: Could signal root damage from overwatering, disease, or under nourishment.
-
Leaves dropping late: May indicate insufficient chilling hours to trigger dormancy.
-
Spots on leaves: Fungal leaf spot diseases are common in wet conditions.
-
Holes in leaves: Chewing insects like beetles may be feeding on foliage.
-
Leaves wilting: Usually a sign of inadequate watering, disease, or borers.
-
Leaves yellowing: Often due to overwatering, deficient nutrients, or compacted roots.
If you notice unhealthy lilac foliage, consult an expert to diagnose and treat the problem. Address issues promptly to avoid lasting damage.
FAQs About Lilacs and Leaves
Here are answers to some common questions about lilac leaf habits:
Do lilacs keep their leaves in winter?
No, lilacs do not keep their leaves in winter. Lilacs are deciduous shrubs that drop all leaves each fall and remain leafless until spring.
What month do lilacs lose their leaves?
Lilacs typically lose their leaves from September through November depending on climate and first frost date. Leaves often change color weeks before falling.
Should I remove lilac leaves in fall?
There’s no need to remove dropped leaves. They serve as a natural mulch as they decompose around the base over winter. Rake away excess fallen leaves if desired.
How long are lilac leaves out?
Lilac leaves remain on the bush from spring through fall, anywhere from 5 to 8 months of the year on average. In warm climates, growth may last longer.
Do lilacs need sun in winter?
Lilacs benefit from as much winter sun as possible. Sunlight helps protect dormant buds and penetrates branches eliminated by fallen leaves.
When should I prune my lilac bush?
Prune lilac bushes and hedges soon after flowering ends in spring. Avoid heavy pruning in fall to prevent removing developing flower buds for next year’s bloom.
The Cycle Continues Each Year
Lilacs reliably complete their beautiful seasonal cycle year after year. The leaves emerge, unfurl, photosynthesize all summer, then exhaust themselves as they paint the landscape in sensational fall hues before dropping to the ground.
Soon the branches are bare once more. But this naked dormancy period is short-lived. Before you know it, fuzzy new leaf buds signal the onset of spring and the continuation of the lilac’s gorgeous, fragrant foilage cycle.
Lilac Care in Winter
Lilacs withstand a chilly winter better than most plants. They do benefit from occasional watering if there is no precipitation available to the roots. Watering around the root zone actually keeps the soil warmer than dry soil, offering lilac winter protection. In rare cases, you may need to cover the plant to protect the buds. This happens when buds are just starting to break in late winter or early spring and a hard freeze comes along. Cover the bush with a blanket, canvas, or even a plastic tent to keep the buds warm. Remove it during the day if temperatures warm up so the plant can get sun and air.
Pruning for Post Lilac Winter Care
Pruning is not important for the first five to six years of a young lilacs life. It can be an important step to lilac recovery if winter damage has occurred. Wait until the plant has bloomed before you make any cuts to avoid removing the flowers. Cut out any damaged or diseased stems. Thin the suckers by one-third for complete rejuvenation of old plants. After three years, the plant will be renewed without affecting bloom production.