Grafting and Budding of Lilac

Grafting of lilac often faces the problem of reversion, where rootstock suckers suppress the cultivar portion. Syringa vulgaris is used as a rootstock, providing the best union, as well as Ligustrum or Fraxinus. The use of Ligustrum is considered a temporary measure due to potential lack of longevity and physiological incompatibility; therefore, in agrotechnics, the seedling is often transitioned to its own roots by deepening the graft union or by constricting the stem.

Technologically, grafting is performed in spring at the beginning of sap flow or in summer using the dormant budding method in July-August. For summer budding, the speed of the operation is critical to prevent the desiccation of cambial tissues. Standard methods are used for the work, such as whip grafting, cleft grafting, or side-veneer grafting, and it is recommended to cut the budding shield with a minimal layer of wood or without it.