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.
I've always loved lilacs--even carried a basket of lilacs in my first wedding, so I planted a bush at our last house. It was right outside the front door, and I checked it constantly. If I recall correctly, I don't think it bloomed the first year, but then it began to the next year.
I planted it right where the old one was planted, & that one had been doing great (until they had to dig it up to get to the sewer break). Only thing that I've given the new one was the the pack of some type of plant food that the nursery gave me with it when I originally planted it in the spring & I followed the directions/planting instructions to the letter.
Yeah, my husband has been known to chop at the lilacs (we have them all across the back fence-line in the yard) pretty badly & we have never lost one yet! (Until the sewer issue.) Seems like they kind of like the old dead wood removed every few yrs.
Is it possible that the sewage issue leaked yuck into the soil? If so, this may be the issue. I would hope that the yuck would dissipate and then once it does the plant should go back to its normal responses and grow.
You could always call the place you got the plant and ask them for guidance. Mixing up plant types seems to be common....Lord knows why...maybe new and experienced spring staff.
I have only had established plants, but I know they are quite sensitive to changes and don't do well if they get too much fertilizer, which surprised me, as I grew up thinking you always had to feed every plant.
Your solution to give it to next spring is best and go from there! These are usually hardy souls so hopefully things will improve for it!
I pray for plants (they are family too right!) and have sent up some that yours comes back and grow next year!! Take care and hopefully in season you will be able to send us photos of lovely (and taller) lilacs!!
Lilac needs a very very rich soil all its life. Planting it where another lilac had grown is not a good idea. In the automn put manure or/and wood ashes around its foot without touching the foot and leave the rain drives the nutrients to its roots. Liquid fertilizers are not useful for outdoor plants (I'm not sure they are for indoors plant either ...) You will have to put new rich soil every year if you want it to keep strong and give a lot of flowers. Lilac is a real glutton.
The beauty of purple or white lilac blooms, in conjunction with their luscious fragrance, make them a perfect choice for many gardens. They are also an excellent subject for a photo. This page contains lilac photos.
Careful pruning can, not only keep your lilac well shaped and of a size that fits your space, but it can also encourage new growth and blooming. This is a page about pruning and rejuvenating overgrown lilacs.
This is a page about lilac bush with very little (few) leaves. If your lilac is not producing sufficient leaves the plant will not flourish and may die. Check all the usual suspects, including sun exposure, soil nutrients, and pest infestations.
This is a page about rooting a cutting from a lilac bush. Propagation from cuttings is a common way of cloning your plants and shrubs, making for more plantings for your garden.
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
My Sensation lilac growing next to another did not leaf out. It has distorted blooms on it, but no leaves.
The bush right next to it has healthy leaves and is beginning to blossom. What should I do?
You might have lilac blight, which is contagious. Cut off all affected branches and dip the cut part in a solution of one part bleach to three parts water.
How can I kill a weed that has grown in the middle of a lilac bush? The stems are woody and as thick as the lilac.
The best way to get rid of a weed that is growing too close to another plant (a keeper) is to cut the weed close to the ground and take either an eye dropper or similar dropper or even a q-tip and dip it in weed killer (or vinegar if you have no weed killer) and carefully drop a drop or two on the cut stem of the weed, being careful to not get it on your plant.
Wait a few days and do the same again. You should soon see the weed die without harming you plant.
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
Hi I live in Washington state on the eastern side of the state where it is a hardy zone 5a. I have had a liliac bush in a container during the winter it did just fine and it was nice and green the next spring and summer. And the liliac bush in a container will do mostly the same thing as if it was in the ground. Covering the container in the winter will be a good to help it be protected in the winter. The lilac bush has done will without being protected in the winter too. The soil has frozen solid before, but it will not hurt the lilac bush it should do just fine!
