I've got lilac shoots coming up around my lilac tree. What should I be doing about them? Cut them off at ground level? That's what my gut tells me, but I thought I'd ask here. The tree is doing OK, had some flowers on it last year, and lots of leaf buds on it now.
I cut off all the dead wood on the honeysuckle, now I have to transplant it, it's been 2 years in the pot it's in, and it's really got to be changed.
Linda
My dad, the pruning expert, says to cut them off just below the ground if you can.
Sandy
I'm so glad someone asked this question!!! And that we have access to a pruning expert - thanks, Sandy!
Our house came with a well-entrenched lilac....I've cut off & dug up many roots & shoots below the ground but they just seem to sprout again - or maybe, given your advice Sandy, those are just different ones, that I missed the first time. I'll have to take a close look this spring.
And the roots are tough as nails. Boy, if I ever plant one of my own lilacs, I'm going for one of the non-suckering cultivars - this thing is the bane of my garden.
No, they're probably the same thing. Dad says they'll keep putting out suckers every year. He said you can dig those up and plant them for a new tree or if you ever get tired of the old one because it's too big or something, just cut it off 8" above the ground and it'll grow up again.
So does anyone want lilac suckers before I cut them and through them out?
Sandy thank you ( and your dad) for the advice.
Linda
You're welcome. My dad loves to help fellow gardeners.
MG99
Hi Linda, If your throwing them out-could you save them for me..I have alot of property and it would be great to fill in some of the space.
Ingrid
Ooohhh, Ingrid, can I give you some of mine too? ;-) We could wait till spring if you want, so you can see if you like how the blooms look. I would be happy to deliver them personally!
Shannon
Ingrid, you are welcome to the whole lot of them unless someone else would like a few too. Do you want them mailed or wait for the RU to pick them up? They are single light purple flowers, and fragrant.
spklatt(Shannon)
You have yourself a deal..Don't forget the shovel..We'll have to get some plants into your garden when you come...
MG99(Linda)
Linda, that would be wonderful..What do you think about shipping them I can send some money up or give it to at the RU.I think that would be better than coming home on the plane with these roots.
ceedub
Christine, that works for me. Maybe, you'll be by my way again or if not shipping works great too..Who knows maybe Dillon and I will surprise you and your husband for a visit.
Thank-You everyone!!
My property will have such an aroma with all of these...great
Hug, Ingrid
