Lilac is not leafing

Question

Our lilac bushes were totally covered with beautiful fragrant blooms this year but now that the blooms are gone the bushes don’t seem to be leafing out. One bush has what looks to be a new (this year) leafy growth coming up the center, towering over the main plant but the rest of the leafing is sparse. How long should it be between blooming and full leafing?

Answer 1

It is very possible that it will need some pruning to restore this plant. These two articles will help:

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