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too late to prune my lilac?

Posted by shadygarden_co z5 Denver (My Page) on
Thu, Jun 17, 10 at 16:46

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


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: too late to prune my lilac?

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


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RE: too late to prune my lilac?

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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RE: too late to prune my lilac?

Hey, thanks guys. That really helps. I will follow your suggestion, Ken, about googling rejuvenation of shrubs.

Marlene


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