Pollination Info for Tiny Dancer Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Elsdancer')

Tiny Dancer Lilac is a deciduous shrub that produces fragrant, purple-pink flowers in spring. The plant is self-fertile, which means it can produce fruit without cross-pollination. However, cross-pollination can increase the quantity and quality of the fruit, and also promote genetic diversity.

The primary pollinators for lilacs are bees, particularly honeybees and bumblebees. Other insects such as butterflies and moths may also visit the flowers, but they are not as effective in pollination.

To attract pollinators to your Tiny Dancer Lilac, plant it in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Avoid using pesticides as they can harm pollinators. Water the plant regularly during dry spells to ensure that the flowers and nectar are available to bees and other insects.

Cross-pollination can occur between different cultivars of Syringa vulgaris, so if you have other lilac cultivars nearby, it may increase the chances of cross-pollination and result in a better fruit yield.

Tiny Dancer Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Elsdancer') FAQ

• What is a Tiny Dancer Lilac?
  Tiny Dancer Lilac or Syringa vulgaris 'Elsdancer' is a compact, deciduous shrub that produces clusters of fragrant, lilac-colored flowers in the spring.

• How does the plant grow?
  This lilac is a slow-growing, low-maintenance shrub that prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moist soil. It grows to a height of about 3-4 feet with a spread of 2-3 feet.

• When does the plant bloom?
  The Tiny Dancer Lilac blooms in the spring, typically in May, and produces fragrant, lilac-colored flowers that are attractive to pollinators like butterflies and bees.

• How do I care for the plant?
  The Tiny Dancer Lilac requires minimal care; water the plant regularly, especially during hot or dry weather, and fertilize once a year in the spring to encourage healthy growth. Pruning is optional but can be done after the plant has finished blooming in the spring to shape or maintain size if desired.

• Is the plant deer-resistant?
  While no plant is completely deer-proof, the Tiny Dancer Lilac is known to be less attractive to deer than other varieties of lilac.

• Can the plant be grown in a container?
  Yes, the Tiny Dancer Lilac can be grown in a container. Use a large pot with well-draining soil and place it in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Water regularly and fertilize once a year for best results.

• What are some companion plants for the Tiny Dancer Lilac?
  Some good companion plants for the Tiny Dancer Lilac include peonies, roses, and other flowering shrubs or perennials that bloom in the spring. The lilac's fragrant and colorful blooms pair well with a variety of other plants.

Planting Tiny Dancer Lilac

1. Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun exposure (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).

2. Dig a hole approximately twice the size of the root ball and loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole.

3. Remove the plant from its container and gently loosen any tangled roots. Place the root ball into the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.

4. Water the plant thoroughly.

Caring for Tiny Dancer Lilac

1. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

2. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears.

3. Prune the plant immediately after flowering, removing up to one-third of the oldest branches to encourage new growth.

4. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

5. Monitor the plant for pests and disease, such as powdery mildew or scale insects.