Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Lilac problems, 1 by Teresa_IL

Teresa_IL wrote:
2 years ago, in spring, I planted a common lilac, about 1 ft tall, in full sun. It bloomed profusely both that year and last year. Now its 4 feet tall, bushy and full, but no flowers.

Next to it, last year I planted a tinkerbell lilac, while it was blooming, about 2 feet tall. This year it is 3 feet tall, and blooming great, but with several dead branches and very few leaves.

I'm kind of at a loss for why the first lilac wouldn't have flowers, when the younger one would (same soil, light, water conditions) I didn't prune it at all last year.

And, I am not really sure what to do about lilac #2 either. Should I prune it way back, so it grows in bushy? Or just cut off the blooms and dead stuff? Any other suggestions?

And I thought lilacs were supposed to be easy...