Question
Hi Gary,

I have a relatively young lilac. It blossomed pretty nicely last year; in order to promote its growth I pruned it right after the blossoming was over (by cutting the flowers off). Now I am wondering if I did something wrong because I have much fewer blossoms this year (really just a few; and nothing grew from/around the places where I made my cuts).

Can you please guess/tell me what might be a problem.
I live just north of Toronto, zone 5.

Thank you,
Oxana


Answer
Oxana,

Lilac bloom on new wood each year.  I am wondering if the plant is now in shade which would inhibit flower bud formation. Last year the buds would have set at the nursery before you bought it.

I would be tempeted to prune it harder this year to see if that would help with flower formation next year.  Also, maje sure you water this plant well and fertilize this spring.  Patience is called for here.

Good gardening

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