I would plant the lilac in the pail it came in right now (provided it is not too root-bound)in a sunny spot but make sure the soil has good drainage.....When you go to move, simply lift the plant and pail out of the garden and take it with you....that way, if you move in the middle of the summer, the transplant shock will be reduced.....

Ian

before i waste time typing... 6 months from now.. is early next spring at the earliest????

if so.. plant it ... native soil ....

otherwise.. you will have a greater chance of killing it with too much love.. rather than letting ma nature care for it over winter ...

ken

Must have a winter dormant period, will not be successful kept through the winter in a heated area. Pots soon become plant coffins, the less time spent in one the better - definitely do not plant in ground but still in pot. Roots must be able to constantly penetrate fresh ground. Since cultivar is liable to be clonal, technically another propagule purchased later, for the new place would really be the same gift repeated. If clone has been kept pure in the marketplace all specimens sold are fragments of the same genetic individual.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sensation Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation' P.P.# 1242) - Monrovia

I have one inside as a bonsai tree for 2 years now and growing very strong even getting bud's