The cost of a lilac bush (Syringa species) varies significantly based on the plant’s maturity, packaging, and specific cultivar. Prices range from minimal investment for small starters to several hundred dollars for an established, mature specimen. Understanding the pricing structure requires looking closely at the physical size, the rarity of the variety, and the type of retailer selling it. The final price often extends beyond the initial sticker price, including necessary soil amendments and potential professional labor.
Cost Based on Size and Packaging
The least expensive option is a bare-root plant, which is a dormant specimen shipped without soil, typically measuring 10 to 24 inches tall. These young lilacs are often sold seasonally through mail-order nurseries. Bare-root plants generally cost between \(\\)10$ and \(\\)40$ each, sometimes less when purchased in bulk bundles.
Container-grown shrubs are usually sold in 1-gallon or 2-gallon nursery pots. A 1-gallon lilac, which has an established root system, will typically range from \(\\)25$ to \(\\)65$, depending on the variety. Larger specimens, such as those in 5-gallon pots, offer more immediate impact in the landscape but come with a higher price tag, ranging from approximately \(\\)90$ to over \(\\)170$.
The most substantial investment is a large, field-grown plant sold as balled-and-burlapped (B&B). These are mature lilacs dug from the ground with their root ball intact and wrapped in burlap. B&B specimens provide instant structure but require heavy equipment to move and plant. Prices commonly range from \(\\)225$ to over \(\\)400$, based on the height and caliper of the shrub. This increased cost reflects the specialized labor involved in harvesting and transporting its massive root mass.
Influence of Retailer and Lilac Type on Price
Big-box stores and mass retailers often sell common lilac varieties, such as standard Syringa vulgaris, at competitive prices. They sometimes list a 2-gallon container for under \(\\)35$. These retailers prioritize volume and lower price points, but they often offer a limited selection of varieties and less specialized plant care advice.
Local, independent nurseries and specialized online growers typically charge higher prices but offer a wider, more curated selection of cultivars. These retailers often feature patented, dwarf, or reblooming varieties like ‘Bloomerang’ or ‘Miss Kim’ that command a premium. A reblooming lilac that flowers multiple times a season may cost \(\\)20$ to \(\\)40$ more than a common variety of the same size. These specialized nurseries also provide higher-quality plants with better guarantees and expert horticultural guidance.
Additional Costs for Planting and Establishment
Several supplementary expenses are necessary to ensure the plant thrives beyond the purchase price. Amending the native soil is often recommended to improve drainage and nutrient content. This adds expenses for items like compost, peat moss, or specialized topsoil, which can cost around \(\\)5$ to \(\\)10$ per bag. Incorporating a slow-release fertilizer is another recommended expense, with products costing between \(\\)20$ and \(\\)40$.
Hiring a landscaping professional to handle the planting adds a significant cost for those who choose not to perform the labor themselves. Labor for planting a single shrub can often approach or exceed the price of a smaller plant. Professional installation for a 5-gallon shrub typically ranges from \(\\)75$ to \(\\)100$. These services ensure the lilac is correctly placed and planted, maximizing its chances of successful establishment. Initial maintenance, including proper watering equipment and mulch to retain soil moisture, is required to protect the financial commitment made to the new shrub.