Could you please tell when is the best time to reset a Lilac bush? Also, when I reset it do I need to fertilize it at that time? Thank you. N. Chastain

[quote:41d9c8a488="nrchastain"]Could you please tell when is the best time to reset a Lilac bush? Also, when I reset it do I need to fertilize it at that time? Thank you. N. Chastain[/quote:41d9c8a488]

The best time to move a lilac is in late winter before it buds out. You can use a water soluble fertilizer to water in the root system when you tranplant a lilac, but wait until it has been in the same spot for at least one growing season to apply granular fertilizers.

Lilacs are spring blooming woody ornamentals that are one of those wonderful heirloom plants that remind us of our gardening pasts. Lilacs prefer full sun exposures for the best performance. They also require a location with good air movement in order to combat disease problems.

Lilacs should be pruned in late spring after all the flowers have faded. For older plants it may be advisable to selectively remove older stems at the base of the plant to stimulate new growth and to keep (or get) the shrub in shape. A general rule of thumb if to remove one third of the oldest stems at ground level annually so you are completely rejuvenating the shrub every three years. (Borers will tend to prefer thicker stems, so by removing the oldest stems, you will help to deter borer damae.) Heading back cuts can also be made at the top of the plant to reduce the size.

If you have a type of lilac that is slower growing and is maintaining its size well, it is still advisable to remove the spent blossoms in late spring. This will stimulate new growth and will prevent the plant from expending its energy in seed production. Simply snip off the blossoms just above the next node down.

If your lilac needs to be moved, the best time to do this is in the dormant season. Usually anytime in late fall after the leaves have dropped until late winter before new growth begins is your window of opportunity. Limiting factors will be soil moisture, (don�t work the soil if it is too wet) or frozen soils. Keep the new transplants well watered to ensure good root development. Blooms may be reduced or eliminated the following growing season, but should resume the next spring.

�Miss Kim� is a popular variety of Syringa patula or Manchurian Lilac. Although Miss Kim is usually listed as 3 feet high and wide at maturity, give it a little extra space. If it is happy where it is growing, it could double that size in time! The flower panicles of Miss Kim are about 3 inches long, budding out a deep purple and turning bluish as they age. Miss Kim may also have a nice purple fall color.

�Lark Song� is a very fragrant lilac, blooming a little later in the season.