Lilac bush?

I have a lilac bush in my back yard. I bought it about 4 years ago, as a very tiny tree. Its now about 6 ft tall, however, the blooms never mature past little tiny infrequent white flowers. There is also not much of a scent. Its in full sun. Can you tell me why its not getting huge blooms like its supposed to do? What do I need to do to care for it? I have never pruned it, which I know I need to do, but could use some advice. I%26#039;m afraid I%26#039;ll kill it if I try cutting it as I do not know how to properly prune it. Thanks!

Lilac bush?
Lilacs require a little pruning to help it bloom next year. The old buds need to be removed just below the flowers before the seeds set in to help it produce flowers. Be careful to not prune ALL the new growth off. Lilacs are actually getting ready for next years blooms based on your pruning/care right now in June/July.


I%26#039;d recommend a basic Miracle Grow solution or compost for the remainder of the season, but not after Last of August. Lilacs really only require a minimal amount of pruning and care just a cpl of times of year. Most (depending on the species of lilac) are very adaptable and hardy. Sometimes Lilacs will get a white powdery look to them especially in the heat of the summer. Don%26#039;t worry too much about it if yours does. It is Powdery Mildew but unless severe...your Lilac will fight it off.
Reply:None of my Lilacs are mulched. If you are going to do some heavy pruning of a Lilac, do it now. Most plants are best trimmed after blooming. Lilacs are no exception to that. Be careful to not remove more than 1/3 of the plant per year however. Thanks for the vote! Report It

Reply:Lilacs fail to flower because of insufficient sunlight, planted too deeply, too much nitrogen, improper pruning or winterkill of the flower buds. The lilac may not be blooming because it is getting too much shade or nitrogen-rich fertilizer. You might be able to stimulate it to set flower buds by driving a straightedge spade into the ground around the edge of the spread of the foliage. Do that in about six places. This mildly shocks the plant into a reproductive cycle.
Reply:DON%26#039;T PUT ANY MULCHES OR ANYTHING AROUND THE BUSH.SCRAPE UP THE GROUND AROUND IT AND OCCASIONALLY ADD GARDEN LIME TO IT. THEY LOVE LIME.
Reply:Weak or spotty blooming generally means the soil is potassium deficient. Look for a local garden center that will perform soil tests and recommend appropriate fertilizer for your lilac.



world history