How To Make Lilac Bloom

Question

Lilac bush under shag bark hickory has never bloomed in the 2 years I have lived in this house. All other lilacs are open now. They received a lot of light as the trees are just starting to fill in with leaves. What should I do to make it bloom?

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Answer 1

You will need to get it away from the Hickory Tree. Hickory, like Walnut, produce Juglone. This will inhibit plant growth, and act as an herbicide, even though it isn't near as much of a problem as the Walnut. This is likely the cause of the problem with flowering.

Here are some articles for more information:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/allelopathic-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/pruning-lilac-bushes-when-to-trim-lilac-bushes.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/lilac-care-growing-and-planting-lilac-bush-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/lilac-bush-not-blooming.htm