When to Prune Lilacs
Lilacs are attractive shrubs to grow. Not only do they smell delicious in the spring, but they are also extremely tough plants. Lilacs can withstand a lot of neglect and abuse and still remain vigorous. This vigorous growth often leaves gardeners wondering when the proper time to prune them is and how to maintain a tight shape. By learning a few tricks and understanding how a lilac produces flowers, you can keep your lilacs full and flowering year after year. Does this Spark an idea?
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When to Prune
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Learn when a lilac bush produces the buds that will become flowers in the spring. This growth occurs on the tips of new growth in the late summer or early fall. If you were to prune your lilac like a haircut, just cutting off the tips all around during the summer, fall or winter, you would be cutting off next year's flower buds. You should prune lilacs right after they bloom in the early spring. Remove one-third of the oldest, woodiest stems as close to the ground as possible. Also remove the spent flower stalks.
Rejuventating an Old Shrub
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Old, overgrown lilacs often are leggy, woody and bare underneath. Two different methods are used to rejuvenate an old shrub. The first method is the easiest and involves cutting back the entire plant to within 6 to 8 inches of the ground in late winter, which will promote a lot of new shoot growth the following spring. Choose the strongest stems, and remove the rest just above ground level. The second method is a three-year plan. In the first year, remove one-third of the oldest stems to just above ground level in late winter. In year two, remove one-half of the remaining oldest stems to ground level. Finally, remove all the old wood in year three.
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Maintenence Pruning
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Your lilac can remain vigorous, healthy and blooming every year with a few basic maintenance pruning techniques. Lilacs will only bloom on wood that is three years old, so keep this in mind when selecting which stems to remove. Every three to five years, remove the oldest stems at ground level, which will keep your lilac tight, uniform and blooming year after year.
Growing Tips
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Lilacs can grow in just about any situation you plant them in. However, they will perform best in full sun -- at least six hours of sun per day. Planting lilacs in shady locations will promote powdery mildew, a white powdery fungus that grows on the leaves. Lilacs also prefer a well-drained soil. Proper pruning techniques will prevent large, woody stems that attract lilac borers.
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