Imagine a garden enveloped in the unmistakable scent of lilacwith flowers that transform every corner into a floral work of art. The magical flowering of this plant needs some attention to express all its splendor.
Here you will find the secrets to perfect pruning that will make professional gardeners envious. Pruning is an art, and it’s time to discover it.
When to Prune Lilacs
The question many ask is: “When is the right time to prune i lilac?” The answer is simple. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering, precisely in mid-spring.
Avoid waiting until summer or autumn, as new shoots need time to develop and prepare for the next flowering season. Remember that pruning too late can damage new growing buds.
How to Prune
In the plant world, many flowering shrubs flower best on younger branches, ei lilac they are no exception. Older branches tend to produce fewer flowers which is why annual pruning is essential.
Use clean shears and cut the withered flowers up the stem to prevent seed formation and encourage new blooms. Cut about a third of the ramipromoting healthy growth.
Regular maintenance
Proper maintenance should not be underestimated. Remove one or two of the older branches directly at the base to maintain aesthetic balance.
The bush should have a fountain shape with balanced weight on both sides. Cut the lower branches and thin the bush to allow light to penetrate the entire plant.
Rejuvenation pruning
When yours lilac have been neglected, it is necessary to intervene with more drastic pruning, the so-called “rejuvenation pruning”. During the first year, remove a third of the largest branches, cutting close to the ground.
The second year, remove another third, and in the third year, remove the final third. This three-year plan will completely renew the plant, resulting in a more lush and beautiful lilac.
Renewal pruning
For those who want a more drastic solution, renewal pruning is the way to go. It consists of cutting the entire bush about 15-20 cm from the ground at the end of winter.
Even if you have no flowers that season, many new shoots will develop after pruning. The following winter select the strongest shoots to create a new structure for your bush.
