Lilac Bush Doesn’t Have Many Blooms or Leaves

Question

Why doesn’t my lilac bush have very many blooms or leaves? It is about 5 years old and is about 6 feet tall and 3 feet around. It gets a lot of sun and is in a clay-based soil.

Answer 1

It is likely a phosphorus deficiency. Fertilize it with a phosphorus rich fertilizer to help it bloom. This article should help as well; https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/lilac-bush-not-blooming.htm

The soil could be a factor too. Try amending your clay soil to see if this improves the issue. This article will help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm