| I have a Dwarf Korean Lilac that has done well for 2 years but this year is very slow to leaf out. It has small green leafy shoots that grow from it's base, should I cut these off. In years past I have but since it seems to be struggling this year I am reconsidering. Thanks - matt |
| Lilacs tend to send up suckers at the base of the plant. It's their attempt to grow into a thicket and colonize an area. If you don't mind having multiple trunks or stems on your lilac bush, you can leave them alone. Otherwise you can continue to prune them off. Either way, it should not affect your original plant. Lilacs sometimes struggle for no apparent reason. As long as your plant gets adequate water and sunshine, there's not much you can do to encourage it to thrive. Pruning will often promote healthy new growth so you might prune it back a bit. It will develop flower buds this summer on any new growth it develops so pruning is one sure way to promote flowers for next year. Hope this information helps! |
