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- Q.Why Are Our Lilac Bushes Not Producing Larger Lilacs? - Why are our lilac bushes not producing larger lilacs? They get lots of full sun. I believe we keep them ...
- Q.Lilac Bushes Don’t Bloom - These bushes have been in pots. They bloomed every year. I planted them, and they look like they are dead ...
- Q.Do Lilacs Bud Again In September? - I have green buds on my lilac bush. Looks different than spring buds.
- Q.Lilac - I have a reblooming lilac I planted last year. It has now grown to about 4 feet and there have ...
- Q.Can I Start Lilac Cuttings In Nov? - Moving to a new area and want to take cutting of gifted lilac bush with me.
- Q.How To Prune An Old Established Leggy Lilac - All the leaves and flowers are at the end of a bare branch
Asked by
Anonymous on
May 24, 2024Q.Why Are Our Lilac Bushes Not Producing Larger Lilacs?
Why are our lilac bushes not producing larger lilacs? They get lots of full sun. I believe we keep them quite moist (watered). We have clay soil so usually on our property water hangs around. These bushes were planted 3 years ago. it seems like year #1 they did well, but last year and this year the actual flower is small. The green folage is very nice. I've attached a photo.
Answered by
GKH_Susan on
May 25, 2024
Certified ExpertA.Those look like dwarf Korean lilacs and they are a little different from other lilac shrubs. They stay smaller and the flower clusters are smaller, but more numerous on the shrub. Your photos just look like the buds. They don't look like they have opened. Was there a late freeze that zapped them? The soil may be a problem. They need well draining soil. Side dress the shrubs with peat moss, compost, or other soil conditioners and lightly rake it in. It should eventually filter down into the soil and improve it.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/dwarf-lilac-varieties.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/common-lilac-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/how-to-easily-improve-your-clay-soil.htm
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- Asked by
Interiorimagery on
July 8, 2024
Rio rancho nmQ.Lilac Bushes Don’t Bloom
These bushes have been in pots. They bloomed every year. I planted them, and they look like they are dead but have new growth on them
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
July 8, 2024
Certified ExpertA.They are definitely very stressed. If you planted them, recently, in the heat then stress is likely. They will struggle to take to their spot. Watering is key after this point, though. You want to let the soil dry out several inches between waterings, but do not leave it wet or totally dry.
The only thing that you can do from here is to monitor their health and adjust accordingly.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
September 2, 2024Q.Do Lilacs Bud Again In September?
I have green buds on my lilac bush. Looks different than spring buds.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
September 3, 2024
Certified ExpertA.Those look like seeds, and you can prune those off. Be sure you don't cut off the developing buds that are forming for next spring's show. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/lilac-seed-propagation.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
lorlq on
October 30, 2024
44092Q.Lilac
I have a reblooming lilac I planted last year. It has now grown to about 4 feet and there have been several blooms in tiny doses then the deer have bittent them off. I left them alone but they are continuing to try and develop blooms ,Do I just cut it back and try harder to repel the deer or just leave it alone? I have read the articles on pruning.I do not want it to die.i was hesitant to prune during summer ,afraid i would cut too much.
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
October 30, 2024
Certified ExpertA.Since it is newly planted, I would do nothing more than deadhead anything that has completely died off. Repelling deer would be your best option, for now.
This article will offer information on deer-proofing trees:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/how-to-protect-trees-from-deer.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
November 20, 2024Q.Can I Start Lilac Cuttings In Nov?
Moving to a new area and want to take cutting of gifted lilac bush with me.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
November 21, 2024
Certified ExpertA.It works best on tender new growth, but give it a try. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/growing-lilac-cuttings.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/semi-hardwood-propagation.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
moraglittle on
May 13, 2025
GlasgowQ.How To Prune An Old Established Leggy Lilac
All the leaves and flowers are at the end of a bare branch
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
May 13, 2025
Certified ExpertA.This is going to take some rejuvenation pruning. Drastically pruning down at least 1/3 of the shrub and removing crowded growth in the center will definitely help. After that, you will want to do some annual pruning. Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/rejuvenation-pruning-tips.htm
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