Another Lilac Question
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Posted: Apr/07/2008 5:49 PM PST
I transplanted all these lilac bushes three seasons ago, the leaves look good and healthy but they have never bloomed. This pic was taken just a few moments ago. Thanks John Attachments:  |
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Posted: Apr/07/2008 7:18 PM PST
Looks like you've got 'em on a west-facing wall, eh? |
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Posted: Apr/08/2008 5:58 AM PST
Yes, Stereoman, they are on the west side. Where do they do best? John |
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Posted: Apr/08/2008 7:01 AM PST
Dang, skippy, that's talent. Being able to tell it was west-facing. I'm impressed! |
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Posted: Apr/08/2008 9:00 AM PST
Transplanting info from the International Lilac Society: Transplanting should be done in spring or fall when the plant is in dormancy. As lilacs have a root system that is very shallow it is important to prune the roots no closer than the drip line of the shrub. It will be normal for the lilac to have smaller leaves for 1-2 years as well as no flowers for 2-4 years. The plant will need to have all its physiological needs met again and good roots before it will flower. It is also important to cut back the plant by 1/3 when transplanting. Since you are removing roots, this will not make the plant suffer so much. Less roots, less branches to sustain = better chances of quick recovery. A good recommendation would be to use either bone meal or a liquid transplanter such as 15-30-15. |
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Posted: Apr/18/2008 4:35 PM PST
I searched and searched, and I know it is here somewhere, but I can't find it. When do I add lime to my lilacs? Now, before they flower and leaf out, or right after. Also, does it help to add it later in the year too? |
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Posted: Apr/18/2008 5:09 PM PST
According to the International Lilac Society you add lime in the fall. My understanding is that it takes several months to change soil pH--for example, when you want to change the color of a hydrangea, you have to add lime or the other stuff (aluminum sulfate?) several months in advance of bloom. Also I think lime doesn't need to be added every year--it's not like fertilizer. Maybe someone can expound on that for you. I'm not too good with the science of gardening. |
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Posted: Apr/19/2008 10:30 AM PST
I'm far from expert on lilacs but eager to learn, as they are among my darling Lynnora's favorites. Her very first blooms opened just three days ago! Very first, as in never before in her life. She jumped straight up off the ground and wrapped a great big smooch right on my unsuspecting kisser first time she saw them. LOL! Ours are planted on a southeast facing wall so they get plenty of direct sunlight but not the wiltering summer afternoon sun. So far only one out of three distinct clumps has any blooms. It's a dry spot, and the soil is shallow and rocky. |
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Posted: Apr/22/2008 8:26 AM PST
Mine are eastish - they get morning sun and somehow late afternoon sun. The soil sucks and they grow really slowly. My 2 purples that have been there for awhile only have one pair of flower buds each. The white I bought last year, while still in bloom, has tons of buds and it is the same size. I thought maybe my poor flower showing on the older shrubs was from getting the lawn fertilized. Now I don't know... |
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Posted: Apr/22/2008 11:46 AM PST
Quote: Originally posted by witt Dang, skippy, that's talent. Being able to tell it was west-facing. I'm impressed!I'm with you witt, very impressive 
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