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 from Pawtucket, RI
By Contester
05/10/2011
Ann, it's quite possible that your lilacs simply aren't old enough/large enough to bloom yet. Here's a ThriftyFun article with some other possibilities: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85671124.tip.html
Mom-from missouri, a plant's pollination needs do not affect whether if blooms, only whether it is able to set fruits and make seeds. Plant bloom regardless of what is nearby.
Hardiness Zone: 6b
Jenny from Nashville, TN
Ellen
By Ellen Brown
By Jantoo
11/10/2006
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.
Is it best to plant lilacs after the blossoms fall off, or doesn't it matter?
By Barbara
By hannah
05/31/2011
Usually you should plant lilacs in the spring time but since that is passed you can still plant them as long as you make sure to water them and make sure they have plenty of sun.
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
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. Both shrubs come in a variety of colors. Before purchasing young shrubs, I would recommend contacting your local county extension agency. They may be able to provide you with more information on how these lilacs perform in your specific growing area.
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
By Ellen Brown
By Connie from Canada
09/13/2006
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.
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
By CherylRose
06/01/2011
Try it anyway, taking off one little cutting won't hurt the plant. Place cutting with bark in water to see if it roots. Wait till its strong enough before replanting it. Good Luck.
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
By candleglows
05/15/2012
Try moving it in a different location away from where the moss is growing, the moss is taking all the nutrients away from tree. After you dig up the tree get as much of the dirt out of the roots that you can and then use some garden soil, and water for 7 days straight till it takes root. After about 7 months add some fertilizer like bone meal or blood meal. Good luck! Lilacs are my favorite flower and I wish they bloomed all summer long but they don't.
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
Hardiness Zone: 5a
By Dan from Justice, IL
By Great Granny Vi
05/08/2010
I have one lilac, it is doing the same kind of thing here in southern CA. I had a few blooms in February, that looked mutated, very small, and almost no leaves. In April it bloomed better, but few blooms and the leaves are looking normal now. I have one small stubby flower today. And the fragrance isn't very strong. Oh, and this bush was developed for our area. GG Vi
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Do you have a tip, recipe or craft to share?
Growing Lilacs from Clippings