Why Every Garden Needs a Standard Lilac Tree and How to Look After It

There’s just something magical about the scent of lilac in spring. Rich, nostalgic, and instantly uplifting. And when it comes to adding beauty, fragrance and structure to the garden without the bulk, a Standard Lilac really comes into its own.

With a tidy lollipop shape and compact size, standard tree forms of lilac are a joy to grow, even in smaller garden spaces or on patios. They flower reliably from spring to summer, for a real sense of elegance with none of the fuss.

Plus, they are hardy, bee-friendly and many varieties even proudly hold the coveted RHS Award of Garden Merit. What’s not to love?

Why Should You Grow a Standard Lilac?

If you’ve ever loved the look and scent of traditional lilacs but found them a bit too wild for your space, then a Standard Lilac is the ideal solution.

This ‘Palibin’ offers everything you could want from a lilac, with masses of pretty, pale purple flowers, that heady scent we all know and love, and strong pollinator appeal, but in a far more manageable size.

Neat, tidy, and architectural, with a single clear stem topped by a rounded crown of foliage and flowers. At around 2 metres tall, it won’t dominate the garden, making it spot-on for patios, entrances, or borders where space is limited.

How to Plant a Standard Lilac

When your Standard Lilac arrives, give it a drink of water if the compost feels dry, then take some time to decide on the best planting spot.

Lilacs love full sun and well-drained soil, so choose a bright, sheltered location where it won’t sit in waterlogged ground over winter. If planting in the garden, dig a hole twice as wide as the pot, gently tease out the roots, and plant to the same depth it was in the pot. Firm it in and water well.

If you’re planting in a container, go for a pot at least 30cm wide with good drainage holes, using a mix of loam-based compost and a little grit.

Position the container where it will get plenty of light and remember to raise it on pot feet during winter to aid drainage.

How to Prune and Trim a Standard Lilac

Standard Lilacs are beautifully behaved, but a little light pruning goes a long way. After the first flush of flowers fades in late spring or early summer, snip off any spent blooms to encourage a second round later in the season.

Incredibly low maintenance and fully hardy, Standard Lilacs add structure and seasonal interest to any garden design. Plus, that sweet perfume in spring is just the icing on the cake.

You can also tidy up any wayward growth at this time to keep the lollipop shape nice and rounded. Avoid heavy pruning or cutting into old wood, as lilacs flower on the previous year’s growth.

Once or twice a year is all it needs. It’s a very low-maintenance routine that keeps the shape looking smart and the blooms coming back strong.

How to Water and Feed a Standard Lilac

Lilacs are surprisingly unfussy when it comes to care, but like all flowering shrubs, they’ll benefit from a bit of extra TLC.

Water well in the first season while it establishes, especially in dry spells. Once settled in, it becomes relatively drought tolerant. Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support healthy growth and flowering.

Container-grown plants may need more regular watering during hot weather, so keep an eye on the compost and don’t let it dry out completely. A liquid feed once a month during the growing season will keep it in tip-top shape.

Do Standard Lilacs Require Particular Care Across Winter?

One of the biggest advantages of growing ‘Palibin’ is its cold tolerance. It’s fully hardy in UK gardens and shrugs off frosts with ease. In fact, it tends to bloom even better after a good cold snap!

If you’re growing it in a pot, the main thing is to make sure the compost doesn’t become waterlogged, so raise the container on feet or bricks to keep the drainage flowing.

A quick tidy in late winter or early spring, removing any damaged stems, is usually all that’s needed to set it up for another stunning season.

Where to Buy a Standard Lilac Tree

If you’d like to add this stunning lilac to your garden, you can order your own Lilac ‘Palibin’ Standard from YouGarden here: www.yougarden.com/item-p-510317/lilac-palibin-standard.