An overnight freeze has been forecasted for my area in Barnegat, NJ. I have 3 Lilac bushes that were new last year, and hadn't bloomed yet. Now they all have several flower buds appearing on the branches. Will the freeze of 25-28 degrees tonight destroy them? What can I do to save these flowers? Thanks!!
Yes, the frost may cause damage. As you are only expecting a mild freeze, I would recommend covering the plants with a bedsheet. This should be enough to keep the frost from settling on the buds. If you can, a few jugs of hot water placed under the sheets as well will also keep the air a bit warmer under there. If you have not read it, this article will also be helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/frost-how-to-protect-your-plants.htm
Can you plant lilac bushes in Chino Valley, Arizona? If so, when?
Yes, you can. They actually enjoy warm climates. In your zone, I would recommend planting in fall, though spring planting will be fine as long as you make sure it's well watered. You may also consider growing it in a container, which can be moved to a cooler location, should extreme temps become an issue. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/lilac-care-growing-and-planting-lilac-bush-plants.htm
Both my lilac bush and the forsythia next to it last year developed what looked to be a parasitic plant bloom. The branches of both bushes lost their natural leaves and bloomed out with small clusters of odd looking leaves, almost like a small clump of grass where each natural leaf should have been. Approx. 1/4 of the lilac and 1/3 of the forsythia were affected and the small clumps stayed green all summer along with the natural leaves that were on the rest of the bush. No one that looked at it could tell me what was happening. The bushes are located on the northeast corner of my home but get sun at least 6 hours a day. We are on sand but have amended the soil over the years. Both were doing well and were 10+ years old when this happened. Any ideas? Thanks!
It sounds like they have a condition called witch's broom. There are a few things that can cause it. This article has more information on it: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/witches-broom-disease.htm
We have a Primrose Lilac which is now in its 6th year and has yet to put out any blooms. It is otherwise a beautiful and healthy bush. Do you have any suggestions as to why we are not getting flowers?
It is probably lacking phosphorus. This is will affect blooming. This article will explain more: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/phosphorus-plant-growth.htm This article will also help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/lilac-bush-not-blooming.htm
My lilac bush is close to 6ft tall. We planted it 3 1/2 yrs ago. It has never bloomed. Any suggestions?
These articles will help with blooming issues: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/lilac-bush-not-blooming.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/lilac-bush-not-blooming.htm
My bush has little yellow spots on the leaves with curling edges on some. We just (yesterday) fed the plant with Bayers feed and insect/disease prevention. The plant is about 6 years old and I love it. What do I need to do?
It has a fungus. I would recommend treating it with a fungicide.
Old lilac bush say 20yrs old first year it has produced one branch with white flowers how and why has this occurred.
This is known as a "sport." This article has some information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/plant-sport-mutations.htm
You might be able to propagate the white branches to grow some white flowering bushes!