Lilac Bush Buds

Question

I have a huge lilac bush/tree in my front yard. I pruned it after it flowered. It has been growing all summer. I looked the other day and it has a ton of new buds on the branches. Will they last through winter or will winter kill the buds? I live in Columbus, Ohio, Zone 5.

Answer 1

Yes, the cold may cause damage. When you are expecting a mild freeze, I would recommend covering the plant 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.