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too late to prune my lilac?

13 years ago

I live in the Denver area, and I neglected to cut the dead blooms off my lilac bush right after they bloomed. The bush or tree is quite tall, about 8 years old, and I am wondering whether, if I prune it now, after the blossoms are all brown and green pods are formed, if it will not bloom next spring.

Also, I need to shape it better, so can I prune some of the branches that are droopy at this time? It is about 8 feet tall, quite leggy, but it is in part shade.

Thanks for any help.

Marlene

Comments (3)

Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
13 years ago
We just did ours in Aurora about a week-10 days ago. Not a problem, but don't wait until, say, after July 4th.

Dan
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
13 years ago
they do not set next years buds on the seed pods ...

below the seeds.. a bud will start elongating and at the terminal end of that.. come fall.. buds will be set for next years show ...

so if you JUST cut off the seed pod branchlet.. you will not be cutting the prime area ...

that said.. how are you going to enjoy the flowers which will be 10 feet up next year..

google rejuvenation pruning of flowering shrubs.. on how to return this thing to a manageable height ..

ken
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shadygarden_CO
Original Author
13 years ago
Hey, thanks guys. That really helps. I will follow your suggestion, Ken, about googling rejuvenation of shrubs.

Marlene

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