How do you get lilacs to rebloom?
1. Introduction
2. Sunlight Requirements for Lilacs
3. Moving/Transplanting Lilacs
4. Pruning to Maximize Sunlight
5. Fertilizing Lilacs
6. Deadheading and Pruning Spent Blooms
7. Watering Requirements for Lilacs
8. Benefits of Proper Pruning
9. Disease and Pest Control
10. Mulching for Lilac Bushes
11. Conclusion
How to Get Your Lilac to Rebloom
Lilac bushes are a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden, however, they can be tricky to maintain and get them to rebloom year after year. With the proper care, you can enjoy your favorite blooms year in and year out.
Sunlight Requirements for Lilacs
Lilacs need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to bloom its very best; this is known as photoperiodism in the flower gardening world. If your lilac bush is not receiving enough sun, you can try moving it or pruning back any trees that are shading it.
Moving/Transplanting Lilacs
If you decide to move your lilac bush, remember that transplanting may delay its bloom for an entire year so be patient! It is best to do this during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing; this will minimize shock and ensure that it has time to become established before attempting another bloom cycle.
Pruning to Maximize Sunlight
In addition to careful transplanting, you should also prune your lilac bush regularly in order to maximize sunlight exposure and promote healthy growth. You will want to do some light thinning of the branches in order for light to reach all parts of the plant.
Fertilizing Lilacs
Fertilizing your lilac bush can help give it a boost before blooming season begins! Be sure to use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus; this helps promote flowering as well as healthy root growth.
Deadheading and Pruning Spent Blooms
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers from the plant, encourages re-blooming by preventing seeds from forming on the plant so all energy can be focused on producing more flowers instead of seeds.
Pruning, or selectively removing branches or stems from a shrub or tree, is also important for getting your lilac bush ready for re-blooming season. You should prune any dead or diseased branches as well as any overcrowded stems in order to create an open center with good air circulation.
Watering Requirements for Lilacs
Lilacs need about 1 inch of water per week during their active growing season; this should be done either through rainfall or supplemental irrigation such as drip irrigation with a timer.
Benefits of Proper Pruning
<p Proper pruning has many benefits when it comes to getting your lilac bush ready for re-blooming season! It helps increase air circulation which helps prevent diseases such as powdery mildew, it helps increase light penetration which will help promote healthy blooms, and it also keeps the shape of the shrub looking neat and attractive.
Disease and Pest Control
In addition to proper watering and fertilizing practices, keeping an eye out for pests such as aphids or scale insects is important when trying to get your lilac bush re-blooming each year. Insecticidal soap sprays have proven effective against these pests without damaging beneficial insects like bees.
Mulching for Lilac Bushes
Mulching around your lilac bush can help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, insulate roots from temperature fluctuation, and add organic matter back into the soil over time–all things necessary for successful re-bloom! Be sure not to cover more than half way up the trunk with mulch though; too much mulch can lead to root rot.
Conclusion
With proper care including adequate sunlight exposure, proper watering practices, fertilizing with a high phosphorus fertilizer, deadheading spent blooms, pruning back overcrowded stems, pest control measures such as insecticidal soap sprays, mulching around the base of the shrub–you should have no trouble getting your lilac bushes re-blooming every Spring!