How and when do I cur back my Lilac bush?
by Pam
I have a lilac bush that has grown tall and wide. The flowers don,t look health.
3 answers
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![Margaret]()
Margaret
on Jun 19, 2017
As soon as they have finished blooming cut them back to the set of leaf buds right behind the spent bloom. If you want to cut it into a smaller size, cut it in the shape you want, a little smaller than you want it to be. It will not bloom the next year after it is trimmed back so much but will the next year or two. Be sure to cut it evenly around the sides and top. My daughter cut mine down twenty years ago with a chain saw and it is still sprouting up from the bottom. The neighbor across the street has one that has a 'tree' trunk with a lilac bush at the top... It is leaning and top heavy. Mine has more blooms on it this year than ever before. Give yours a little fertilizer and lots of water and before long it will be beautiful. -
![Vonnie Turner]()
Vonnie Turner
on Jun 19, 2017
You don't want to cut it back until it's at least 6 ft tall. Once the flowers have died is the time to cut back. Lilacs are my favorite flower. -
![Janet Pizaro]()
Janet Pizaro
on Jun 19, 2017
Lilacs should be pruned in the spring before the new growth appears or immediately after they have finished flowering for the season. Do not prune to much at once.Next season in early spring only apply a fertilizer with more phosphorous then nitrogen for better flowers.
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