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.
WOO-HOO!!!! Thanks to all for the very helpful suggestions! Happy to report that the lilac took off this spring with about a foot of new growth so far! Looks very healthy & is getting taller and wider by the day. We did fill in some low areas where water would stand near it last fall & also planted some grass there and did apply the wood ashes a couple of times. Thrilled with the growth rate & hoping it continues--didn't want to have to move it & start all over again! Thanks, again! Lin
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.
