Yankee Doodle Lilac: A Fragrant and Floriferous Shrub with Deep Purple Blooms

Pollination Info for Yankee Doodle Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Yankee Doodle')

The Yankee Doodle Lilac is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is a hybrid of two species of lilacs, Syringa vulgaris (common lilac) and Syringa patula (Manchurian lilac).

The Yankee Doodle Lilac is a self-fertile plant, which means it can produce seeds with just its own pollen. However, cross-pollination with other cultivars can improve its overall health and vigor, and produce more abundant flowers and fruits.

The Yankee Doodle Lilac flowers in mid to late spring, producing large, fragrant clusters of pinkish-purple blooms. These blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that help transfer the pollen from the stamens to the pistil.

If you want to cross-pollinate your Yankee Doodle Lilac, you can plant it near other cultivars of Syringa vulgaris or other related species such as Syringa patula, Syringa josikaea, or Syringa reticulata. Bees and other pollinators will naturally visit all the flowers in the area, facilitating the cross-pollination process.

To ensure optimal pollination, make sure the lilac is planted in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Water it regularly and keep it free of pests and diseases.

Yankee Doodle Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Yankee Doodle') FAQs

• What is Yankee Doodle Lilac?

  Yankee Doodle Lilac is a cultivar of the common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) with large violet-purple double flowers.

• How tall and wide does it get?

  Yankee Doodle Lilac can grow up to 8-10 feet tall and up to 6-8 feet wide.

• What is the blooming period of Yankee Doodle Lilac?

  Yankee Doodle Lilac blooms in mid to late spring, usually in May in most areas.

• What are the flowers like?

  The flowers are large and double, with a fragrant violet-purple color and appear in large panicles.

• What is the growth rate of Yankee Doodle Lilac?

  Yankee Doodle Lilac has a moderate growth rate of 1-2 feet per year.

• What are the growing requirements for Yankee Doodle Lilac?

  Yankee Doodle Lilac prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil in full sun to partial shade. It needs regular watering but doesn't like to be constantly wet. It is generally hardy in USDA zones 3-7.

• How do I prune Yankee Doodle Lilac?

  Prune Yankee Doodle Lilac after it blooms by cutting back any dead or damaged wood, thinning out crowded branches, and removing any spent flowers. Avoid cutting back more than one-third of the plant at any given time.

• How do I propagate Yankee Doodle Lilac?

  Yankee Doodle Lilac can be propagated through softwood or hardwood cuttings, layering, or division. Softwood cuttings are taken in early summer, while hardwood cuttings are taken in late fall or winter. Layering can be done in the spring by bending a low branch to the ground and burying part of it in the soil. Division can be done in the fall or spring by digging up the plant and separating it into sections.

Planting & Care for Yankee Doodle Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Yankee Doodle')

The Yankee Doodle Lilac is a deciduous shrub that blooms in the spring with fragrant, pale pink to lavender flowers. Here's how to plant and care for this beautiful plant:

Planting

• Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
• Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
• Backfill with a mixture of soil and compost.
• Water thoroughly and mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture.

Care

• Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and shape the plant.
• Remove any dead or diseased wood throughout the year.
• Protect from deer and rabbits, as they may browse the tender shoots.

By following these planting and care tips, your Yankee Doodle Lilac will thrive and provide beautiful blooms for years to come.