|
Growth Rate
|
- Moderate. ‘Sweetheart’ grows approximately 12–18 inches per year, reaching its mature size in about 3–4 years under optimal conditions.
|
|
Colorful leaves
|
|
|
Flowering
|
Yes |
|
Bloom Color
|
|
|
Disease resistant
|
Yes |
|
Cold Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Heat Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Drought Tolerant
|
No |
|
Deer Resistant
|
Yes |
|
Edible
|
No |
|
Wildlife Attraction
|
- Pollinators: The fragrant, nectar-rich flowers of ‘Sweetheart’ attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators are drawn to the flowers' early bloom and abundant nectar supply.
Birds: After blooming, the plant may produce small seed pods that can provide food for birds during the fall and winter months. The dense foliage also offers shelter for small birds.
|
|
Self-pollinating
|
|
|
Seasonality
|
- Spring to Summer: ‘Sweetheart’ blooms in early spring, often around April or May, producing large, rosy-pink flowers in dense panicles. These flowers are not only visually striking but also fill the air with their sweet fragrance. After the blooming period, the plant’s dark green foliage remains lush and healthy, providing a backdrop to the remaining blooms.
- Fall: In the fall, the leaves transition to shades of yellow before dropping, offering a final display of color before winter sets in.
Winter: During the winter months, ‘Sweetheart’ enters dormancy, shedding its leaves. The shrub maintains its upright, rounded form, adding structure to the winter landscape even without its leaves.
|
|
Leaf Description
|
- Leaves: The leaves of ‘Sweetheart’ are dark green, heart-shaped, and smooth, offering a rich contrast to the vibrant flowers. The foliage is dense, providing a lush, green backdrop for the blooms. The leaves are healthy and remain attractive throughout the growing season.
- Fall Color: In the fall, the leaves change to yellow before falling, adding a soft, golden hue to the landscape as the plant prepares for dormancy.
Texture: The leaves are smooth and slightly leathery, contributing to the overall healthy, refined appearance of the shrub.
|
|
Flower Description
|
- Flower Description: ‘Sweetheart’ produces large, fragrant panicles of rosy-pink flowers that cover the shrub. The flowers have a distinctive, hyacinth-like appearance, contributing to the hybrid's name. These blossoms create a breathtaking show that is particularly valued for its early blooming period.
Flower Longevity: The flowers bloom for several weeks, with new clusters continually emerging throughout the season. Regular deadheading after flowering can help encourage additional blooms and keep the plant looking tidy.
|
|
Planting Instructions
|
- Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant ‘Sweetheart’ is in early spring, after the last frost, or fall, before the first frost. These seasons allow the plant to establish its roots before the extreme heat of summer or the cold of winter.
- Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. ‘Sweetheart’ thrives in slightly alkaline, well-drained soil and needs plenty of sunlight for optimal flowering. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
- Spacing: Space plants about 5 feet apart to allow for their mature size and to provide good air circulation, which helps prevent diseases.
|
|
Pruning & Maintenance
|
- Pruning Time: Prune ‘Sweetheart’ in early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems, and trim the plant to maintain its shape. After the bloom period, you can also deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
- Pruning Tips: Regular deadheading will help keep the plant looking tidy and encourage more flowers. If necessary, prune back older stems that are not producing new growth. Light shaping will help the shrub maintain a dense, rounded form.
Maintenance Pruning: ‘Sweetheart’ does not require heavy pruning, but light pruning throughout the growing season can help the plant maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth.
|
|
Water Needs
|
- Watering: ‘Sweetheart’ requires moderate watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Lilacs prefer well-drained soil, and sitting in water can lead to root rot.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, ‘Sweetheart’ is somewhat drought-tolerant but thrives with regular moisture, particularly during its flowering season.
Watering Tip: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
|
|
Light Needs
|
- Light: ‘Sweetheart’ thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For optimal flowering, the plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from heat stress while still ensuring healthy blooms.
- Shade Tolerance: While ‘Sweetheart’ can tolerate some shade, it will bloom less prolifically and may have a more open form in low-light conditions.
|
|
Harvesting
|
- Harvesting: ‘Sweetheart’ is perfect for use in floral arrangements due to its large, fragrant blooms. Cut stems with fully opened flowers for use in bouquets or vases. These branches will last for several days in water, providing beauty and fragrance in your home.
- Seed Pods: After flowering, the plant may produce small seed pods, which can be left for birds to enjoy in the fall or harvested for future propagation.
|
|
Fertilizing
|
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just before new growth begins. This will help promote healthy flowers and foliage throughout the growing season.
- Fertilizer Tip: Avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. A balanced fertilizer will help improve flower production and overall plant health.
|
|
Pollination
|
- ‘Sweetheart’ produces both male and female flowers and is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another lilac plant to produce flowers. However, planting it near other lilacs or pollinator-friendly plants can enhance overall pollination and result in more prolific blooms.
|
|
Companion Plants
|
- Perennials: Pair with perennials like Echinacea, Coreopsis, or Daylilies for added texture and contrast.
- Shrubs: Combine with other small flowering shrubs such as Weigela, Hydrangea, or Viburnum to create a layered, multi-textured garden.
Groundcovers: Low-growing groundcovers like Ajuga or Liriope will complement ‘Sweetheart’ and enhance its appearance.
|
