Can we trim it? We would like to trim it back some so we can build next to it but do not want to harm it in any way. I've heard that trimming into these very old bushes can cause damage and keep them from regrowing. Please help. We're under a time crunch.
Yes, you can trim it. However, 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. This article should help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/pruning-lilac-bushes-when-to-trim-lilac-bushes.htm
I trim mine back every year. I wouldn't get too severe, but cutting it back actually is good for it. It promotes new growth which will promote more blossoms.
I can't kill mine. I have trimed it to the soil level. It apparently produces suckers and I plan to dig up the roots to get rid of the plant.
Lilacs have burned, curled leaves.
It sounds like you have a fungus on the plant. Treat it with a fungicide.
It may also be a watering issue. Check to make sure the plant is getting enough water.
Trimmed lilacs after blooming in spring. New growth has been healthy. Late September leaves covered with white dust. Good sun, plenty of air circulation. Spraying with commercial insecticide. Aware of impatiens mold problem on LI this year. Lilacs were close to impatiens that died. Could they have been affected? Treatment for impatiens was to bag and rid of in garden so as not to spread disease in soil.
It sounds like powdery mildew. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/powdery-mildew-homemade-and-organic-remedies.htm
I bought a lilac bush this summer and my state has been in a drought this year. Although I have been watering my bush all summer, I haven't watered it too much lately. It is 45 degrees out now and I am wondering if that is too cold to water my bush? Jennifer Lindsay, MN
It is not too cold for watering, though the plant does not require as much now that the temps are getting cooler and dormancy nears. You will only need to water when the soil gets particularly dry.
My lilac is roughly 7 years old and has been magnificent in past years. This year it leafed out nicely and there were many clusters waiting to open but they just shriveled up. The leaves have curled into a cupped shape and have brown spots. I've pruned it to allow for air flow and sun exposure and it gets plenty of water and compost.
We are moving into another home and I would like to take cuttings with me, but if it's going to be affected again, I'd rather leave it or dig it out and buy new shrubs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
This is likely a fungus of some sort. Treat the plant with fungicide. The new growth should be ok, so go ahead and take some cuttings if you would like. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/how-to-root-cuttings-from-various-shrubs-bushes-and-trees.htm
When can 8 foot lilac be transplanted? Spring or fall?
Most transplanting takes place in either spring or fall (but preferably fall). If you can ensure that the majority of the roots and surrounding soil is lifted and replanted in suitable growing conditions, you'll have a greater chance of success. To reduce shock, trimming may help. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm
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.
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.