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: 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.
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: 5a
By Dan from Justice, IL
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
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?
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.
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.
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
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
