I planted a common purple lilac this spring to replace the one that had to be removed last year due to a sewer line problem. It was about 2ft. tall to start out and I followed planting directions, mulched around it and kept it watered during the very hot summer that we've had this year.
You might have too much nitrogen in the soil.
Hardiness Zone: 6a
Thank you.
Kathryn from Brian Head, UT
Colorado State University recommends two types of lilacs for mountain altitudes. Common lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) should grow to 9,000 ft. The same is true for the Preston or Canadian lilac (syringa x prestoniae). Both require full sun exposure, have light to moderate moisture requirements and grow up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The common lilac is slightly more upright and vase-shaped, whereas the Canadian lilac has more of an oval shape with upright branches.
There are a number of important aspects to consider when growing plants at higher altitudes. Exposure to wind can also determine whether a tree or shrub will survive higher elevations. Lilac flowers are sensitive to frost, so a sheltered site at your elevation would probably be best. The length of your frost-free period matters, too. Some shrubs may survive at a given elevation, but they may not produce flowers if the frost-free period is too short. Roots can be mulched to help delay freezing of the soil in the fall and also to retain moisture.
Ellen
I live in central vermont and we also get snow in October and it lasts until April - we have no problems growing lilacs here as I have many many of them. You may want to give them a heavy coat of mulch in the fall right after the first hard frost.
Lilacs prefer cold climates. Look around for some growing in your area and find out just what kind they are. I know they grow good in the mountains of NH (like the other post said in VT).
We have lilacs growing here in zone 5 in northern PA. I've read that lilacs like sun and slightly alkaline soil.
I live in Ottawa, Canada, and believe me we have a lot of snow and very cold temperatures. We also have lilacs so there must be some types that would work for you.
Hardiness Zone: 6b
Jenny from Nashville, TN
Ellen
I am no expert but I think the problem may be all those suckers. You need to dig them up and transplant them or give them away. They are probably taking all the food from the mother plant.
Good luck !
I'm not sure either but I think lilacs need a cold winter. Are there other lilacs growing around you? Ask their owners what they do (people love to give advice).
I have stubborn lilacs too. I live in a very cold climate gets down to -30 or colder zone 3. My lilacs flowered when I first planted them and never again, cut them, fertilze, and put them in the sun. Still no luck, I have many varieties. Same way with my apple and plum trees, they are dwarfs about 4 years old and I get plenty of flowers covered with bees, but no apples or plums. Anyone have any ideas? please help
I also have a very subborn lilac bush. I am so jealous when I see huge gorgeous lilacs in bloom. I read somewhere that if you prune them, you are cutting off the next years blooms.
My lilacs are 50 years old and they thrive on neglect. No chemicals, some modest trimming after they bloom, nothing special. Remove suckers for cosmetic appearances only.
I have three brand new Lilac bushes and it is starting to get very cold here at night. 38 degrees this morning. I am wondering if it will hurt these young saplings to keep them inside for the winter, or if it is wiser to go ahead and plant them outside before the first snow really hits; which of course could be any time.
My understanding is that fall is the best time to plant the saplings. I would not take them inside -they need the cold/warm cycle of the seasons to grow well (that is why they don't grow down south) - if you are concerned about cold damage, mulch them well and put a burlap or other protective wrap around them.
Your lilacs can take the cold. I lived in Ct. for years and mine always survived the New England weather..You could put some Burlap around the bushes to prevent WIND BURN, this is what really damges the plants, Soak the roots well before you put them to bed for the winter. Many plants suffer because they get dehydrated and wind burned. good luck, jjs
Hardiness Zone: 5a
By Dan from Justice, IL
I have noticed a few trees here in SD that are like that too. The ones that I noticed are smaller type trees that are planted in the boulevard along the street by WalMart. The trees have been there for several years. The cab driver that took me to WalMart one day and I were talking about it and wondering if it could have had something to do with the hard winter we had this past winter. A lot of snow and cold. I don't know if weather could have had anything to do with it, but just wondered. The trees look really strange. The sides of the trees that don't have leaves are on the south side.
I planted two lilacs at least two years ago. They are in full sun with forsythia, buddelia, etc. While everything else is thriving, growing, and blooming the poor lilacs grow (they are about 3 ft. tall), but haven't even produced one bud.
I don't want to dig them up (even if they never flower), but I really want lilacs. I just love the scent. Should I just wait or feed them something special or give up on them?
I know someone will have the answer - so. "Thanks" in advance.
Hardiness Zone: 6a
By Ann macC from Pawtucket, RI
How do I root a piece of lilac tree from another branch? I was told not to take any cuttings while the trees are in bloom! Does it matter? I am getting impatient.
By Celeste from Bridgeport, Ct
Is it best to plant lilacs after the blossoms fall off, or doesn't it matter?
By Barbara
A friend was trimming her lilacs and gave me the trimmings. She told me that I might be able to grow a plant from the clippings. The clippings are fairly large. Can I grow a plant? Is so, how? Thanks!
By mindy from Terrebonne, OR
Are lilacs, such as the big beautiful French lilacs grafted? I ask because mine died. It left suckers some 3, 4, or 5 years ago. Will these suckers come back true to form or were they below a graft and I am waiting for something that will never come?
The lack of bloom could be due to not enough light or too much water. I would move one or two and try to improve both drainage and sun location, but if it is a rat, I am better off buying a new plant. I so want a thriving lilac. My little Kim does just fine, but is not the real deal in my thinking. Can you help?
Thank you. Smiles.
By NWRose
We moved into our new home last October. We noticed that the bark on the lilac tree is coming off. A lot of the branches have died. I am not sure if the previous owner chopped it. I tried my best to cut all the dry branches and it seems like it's OK. It does have some flowers on it. My question to you is why is the bark falling off the tree. And I notice where the lilac tree is there is a bit of moss on the ground and a bit on the tree. Could this be the cause of it? Is there something I could put to help it?
By Lisa
I have a lilac bush in a pot. I live in southern Illinois. Can I leave it out over the winter in the pot or should I bring it in? I rent so I don't want to put it directly into the ground. I need to re-pot it into a larger pot. Should I do it before or after the leaves drop for the winter or should I wait until next spring?
By brianlund