Q.How Much Sun Do Lilacs Need For Transplanted Lilac Bushes From Suckers From Other Bushes?
Hi. I was given 14 lilac bushes, which were from suckers off main bushes. They are 7 of dark purple coloured bushes, & 7 lavender coloured bushes. They were about foot high. I rent my property from my landlord, so have permission to plant them. My question is how long before they first start flowering, it has been 6 years. They get mostly sun decept from 4 pm on. Then it is shady. I water them everyday when I water the rest of my garden. Behind them is another property which is full of birch ,popular, & pine trees. Planted them 3 feet away from tree line. I also alternated the colors, so one dark purple, then one lavender colored lilac bush. They have grown about to 2 1/2 feet now. When I planted them 6 years ago planted with new Miracle Grow potting soil, & some sheep manure, which was from bags. Due to soil was heavy clay soil before adding soil. I’m also keep pulling grass away from my lilac bushes. Was thinking of getting some either mulch or small stones around each bush to stop this from happening every couple of weeks. Also this past summer, due the large amount of rainfall we got, which was completely different from previous years before, we had fire weed growing behind them too, or thistles. How can I stop this from happening his following summer.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Lilacs need full sun so I am wondering if those other trees are shading your small lilacs. It would help to control weeds by pulling them out, then covering with 2 to 3 inches of mulch. The pebbles would be expensive to do around that many shrubs.
Here is more information that should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/lilac-bush-not-blooming.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/powdery-mildew-on-lilac-bushes.htm