Lilac bush/tree experts...

We have a big lilac tree in our side yard. This year it seems that only half of it bloomed and the other half has dead blooms (from last year).
Do I have to cut ALL of the dead blooms at the end of the season in order for them all to grow back? I was very lazy last fall (just gave birth) and didn't have the desire to trim the whole tree b/c the tree is so big. If I cut them now do I have a chance at more blooms or do I have to wait for next year?

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Message edited 5/8/2009 11:12:28 AM.

Re: Lilac bush/tree experts...

Hi Beth! Not exactly an expert but I always do prune off the old blooms from the previous year. I think it would be too late to expect any more blooms now if you pruned. They are so pretty but don't last very long!

Re: Lilac bush/tree experts...

Is it possible one side gets less sunlight than the other? I see the difference in that picture.

As with most plants/shrubs, if you cut the spent flower blooms, it will transfer that energy back into branch and root growth and be healthier next year.

What you should know about Lilacs is that they bloom on 2nd year wood. So if you cut all the new growth this year, you won't have any flowers next year. So when timming, make sure you only trim the flower blooms themselves.

Good luck with it!

Re: Lilac bush/tree experts...

I love lilacs... but I also think they have a fairly short lifespan for a large shrub. They often stop blooming if their ideal growing conditions aren't maintained...

I agree with the OP, maybe that half isn't getting enough light? Or it could merely be aging and the shrub getting fussy in its old age