Trimming lilac bushes is a great way to encourage new growth and keep your plant looking its best. It's important to wait until after the blooming season to trim, as this is when the plant is putting all its energy into flowers. Once the blooms have faded, you can trim back the stems to encourage new growth.
Related plant:
Trimming Holly Bushes
Related plant:
Shrub Trimming
About soil condition, the best condition for lilac bushes is well-drained soil set in full sun. They're not too particular about soil type as long as it isn't soggy. If you have heavy clay soil, raise the bed by mounding it up 6 to 8 inches and adding organic matter to help with drainage.
So, like the other plants, lilac bushes need sunlight to grow. They should be planted in an area that gets at least six hours of sun each day. If you want your lilac bush to thrive, make sure it gets plenty of sun.
The temperature condition is ideal for trimming lilac bushes. The sun is shining and there is a slight breeze. You will want to dress in comfortable clothing that you can move around in. A pair of gloves will protect your hands from the sharp thorns on the bushes.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves may begin to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity gets too high, above 60%, the leaves may develop powdery mildew.
Mentioning fertilizer, this plant loves root fertilizers. In the spring, work a balanced fertilizer into the soil around the base of the plant. You can also top-dress the area with compost in the spring.
Pruning lilac bushes is a necessary part of their upkeep. By pruning the bush, you are able to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. When pruning, be sure to focus on the main stems of the bush. Cut away any dead or damaged branches and then trim back the remaining branches to the desired length.
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. It's a simple process that can be done with just a few tools and materials. To propagate lilac bushes, you'll need to take cuttings from the parent plant. These cuttings can be rooted in a pot of soil and then transplanted to the garden. To take cuttings, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to remove a 4-6 inch section of stem from the parent plant. Cut just below a leaf node, which is the point where the leaves attach to the stem. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Fill a pot with a well-draining soil mix, and make a hole in the center with your finger. Gently insert the cutting into the hole, and firm the soil around it. Water the soil well, and place the pot in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and in a few weeks you should see new growth. Once the new plant is established, you can transplant it to the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is generally fast, so they will require annual or bi-annual pruning to maintain their shape and size. American lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) can grow up to 24 inches per year, while Japanese lilacs (Syringa japonica) can grow 36 inches per year.
Common problems for this kind of plant include overgrown and misshapen shrubs. Most lilac shrubs need to be trimmed every 3 to 5 years to maintain their shape and prevent them from getting too large. Trimming also helps to encourage new growth and keep the shrub healthy.
Source:
Yard and Garden: Lilacs | News
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