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Over the years, lilacs sometimes become bare from below. A rejuvenation cut on the lilac can then help. With the right technique, the lilac bush will soon shine again in its old beauty.

In a nutshell

  • can live to be 50 to 60 years old
  • rejuvenate over several years
  • only pruning of main branches
  • Cut knee high to above the ground
  • compost after pruning

Rejuvenate senescent lilacs

Lilacs (Syringa) can reach an impressive age of 50 to 60 years under good conditions. Every year it drives out again and spoils with a lush bloom. Normally, the ornamental tree needs almost no pruning. However, the garden classic can become bare from below over the years. The branches then only have a few leaves and the flowers are just as sparse. The base is usually completely bare. It is then time to rejuvenate the lilac bush or tree from the ground up. The rejuvenation cut should not be done all at once, but the cutting of the lilac should be spread over a period of two to three years. This can prevent the flower from failing completely over several years.

Notice: A complete radical cut should not be carried out if possible. The over-aged wood could not stand the rigorous pruning and die.

Perform taper cut correctly

Pruning for rejuvenation should be done in early spring, before flowering. The days should be frost-free. The procedure is then as follows

  • Cut main branches to different heights
  • Cut back a third to half of the main branches every year
  • Lilac bushes knee high to just above the ground
  • at least, however, 20 to 30 cm above the earth's surface
  • in the case of trees, shorten depending on the height
  • quickly sprout again
  • leave only two to three strong branches from the new shoots in the following spring
  • shorten them again as described
  • this ensures good branching and vigorous growth
  • Completely remove all dried, crossing, inward-growing shoots
  • Completely dig up root suckers

Tools used

Can be used depending on the strength of the branches

  • anvil pruning shears and
  • pruning saw

The tools must be clean and sharp. Before and after each use, they should be disinfected with alcohol. The interfaces must be smooth and not pinched so that no pathogens can enter the cuts. Larger wounds are closed with a wound sealant such as tree wax.

Notice: Compost and horn shavings should be added so that the lilac can sprout well after the rejuvenation cut. These are carefully worked into the soil in the root area.

prevent aging

Bow lilac, Syringa reflexa

After the over-aged lilacs have been regenerated, a small pruning and clearing of the wood should be carried out annually after flowering at the end of May:

  • remove old branches
  • Cut off any wilted flower spikes
  • Attach scissors over outward facing eye just below flowers
  • Cut off dead, wilted and diseased branches at the base
  • this also includes: crossing and inward-growing or far-flung shoots
  • Remove root shoots completely at base

Tip: The clippings can be used for propagating cuttings and for finishing.

frequently asked Questions

What demands does lilac make on location and soil?

Lilac loves a sunny spot. It also grows in the shade, but it rarely flowers there and the crown is not dense. The bushes tolerate dry heat well. Lilac prefers a high lime content, as well as dry and nutrient-rich loamy soil. However, it also grows on unfavorable soils, but not as luxuriantly. However, the lilac reacts very sensitively to waterlogging and compaction of the soil.

What care is necessary for lilac bushes to bloom annually?

Lilacs are usually easy to care for. Even in dry weather, no major watering is necessary. Fertilization should be done once a year, in spring. To do this, a thin layer of compost is applied to the tree disc. On a sandy site, however, additional nutrients in the form of long-term fertilizer or horn shavings are necessary. After flowering at the end of May, it is necessary to cut the spent stalks. This stimulates flowering for the coming year.

Do lilac bushes need extra shelter in cold winters?

No, even if the Syringa is not a native tree, it is hardy in this country. Only young lilac bushes should receive protection in the first two to three years after planting. a mulch layer of leaves or straw in the root area would be advisable. This can be covered with spruce brushwood. Plants in the bucket are placed on a wooden or styrofoam board and the bucket is covered with fleece.

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Category:

Garden plants