Lilac Bush

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by mick, Jul 31, 2010.

  1. mick

    mick Gardener

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2009
    Messages:
    53
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    East Lothian
    Ratings:
    +9
    Im working in a garden at the moment which has a lilac bush which i reckon is around 10-11ft tall. Its getting out of shape and probably too high for where it is sited. Can anyone give me some of your knowledge as to when/how i should prune it and how much can i remove in height without causing too much distress.

    Thanks.
     
    mick, Jul 31, 2010
    #1 Quote in Conversation
  2. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,130
    Hi Mick, :scratch: Well this is what I do with mine.. When the flowers begin to fade, remove them from the Lilac Tree. ( I know this has happened for you now). This will stop the plant putting unnecessary effort into producing seed. So if there is any seed set clip all that off now.. Lilac trees should also have any suckers removed, these will only sap strength from the tree.[align=left]In mid-Autumn, prune away any crossing or diseased / weak branches. The Lilac Tree can also be trimmed to shape each year. To rejuvenate a Lilac Tree that has been neglected, cut it back to 1 metre (3 feet) high. The plant will start flowering in two to three years time.Sounds drastic but I had to do it to mine & now it is just staring to get some shape too it again.. Good Luck.. :thumb:
    [/align]
     
    Marley Farley, Jul 31, 2010
    #2 Quote in Conversation
  3. mick

    mick Gardener

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2009
    Messages:
    53
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    East Lothian
    Ratings:
    +9
    Once again thanks MF :gnthb:
     
    mick, Jul 31, 2010
    #3 Quote in Conversation
  4. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,130
    :thumb: My pleasure mate..
     
    Marley Farley, Jul 31, 2010
    #4 Quote in Conversation
  5. Alice

    Alice Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2006
    Messages:
    2,775
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Perthshire
    Ratings:
    +82
    I don't recommend the method but in my last garden I had a lilac which was about 20 feet tall. It blew over in a storm. I sawed it off at ground level. 2 or 3 years later it was up there and flowering.
    Tough stuff.
     
    Alice, Jul 31, 2010
    #5 Quote in Conversation
Loading...
Similar Threads - Lilac Bush
  1. yorkshire lass

    lilac bush , very few flowers

    yorkshire lass, May 29, 2016, in forum: NEW Gardeners !
    Replies:
    6
    Views:
    1,185
    merleworld
    Jun 1, 2016
  2. accidentalgardener

    Is this a Lilac Bush

    accidentalgardener, Sep 16, 2007, in forum: Identification Area
    Replies:
    9
    Views:
    732
    accidentalgardener
    Sep 17, 2007
  3. TheGavnor

    Old Lilac tree - brown leaves

    TheGavnor, Aug 18, 2025, in forum: Trees
    Replies:
    5
    Views:
    793
    TheGavnor
    Aug 18, 2025
  4. DaveMK

    Planting Sorbaria (+ suckering on white Lilac)

    DaveMK, Jun 16, 2025, in forum: Other Plants
    Replies:
    9
    Views:
    605
    DaveMK
    Jun 17, 2025
  5. wcndave

    Lilac pruning to maintain size

    wcndave, Jun 7, 2025, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
    Replies:
    5
    Views:
    374
    Meomye
    Jun 10, 2025

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice