Pruning a Lilac

Question

My Lilac is actually breaking in the middle of the bush. I think it is because it needs pruning. It is finished blooming. How far back should I cut it? It appears to only bloom on new wood, is that normal?

Answer 1

Lilacs don't bloom exclusively on new wood, but they do bloom better on new wood, so what you are seeing is not unusual. I would not prune it back by more than 1/3 in any one year. Cutting it back further than that could harm the plant.