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Home BYGL Hort Shorts May 1, 2008 PRUNING OVER-GROWN COMMON LILACS IN THE LANDSCAPE
PRUNING OVER-GROWN COMMON LILACS IN THE LANDSCAPE Print E-mail

Several BYGLers received phone calls about when and how to prune over-grown common lilacs.  Because common lilacs are susceptible to powdery mildew disease, this tall shrub tends to become quite bare at the base of the plant as it matures.  The best time to prune a common lilac is right after it blooms.  Gardeners can remove one third of the oldest stems at the base this year and repeat the process during the next two years.  This kind of rejuvenation will encourage shoots forming and growing at the base of the plant, improve air movement to reduce disease pressure, and increase light penetration into the center of the plant for increased flower bud formation.  By the fourth year, the lilac bush should be reduced in size, fuller at the base and look almost as good as new.

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Last Updated ( Thursday, 01 May 2008 18:06 )
 

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