• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Pruned-Lilac-Slow-to-Recover-THUMB.jpg

Pruned Lilac Slow to Recover

I pruned my overgrown lilac last spring after flowering. It does not seem to be recovering. I have a few new stems shooting up from the base. Should I rip it out and buy a new plant?

If you like the flowers and fragrance of this particular lilac or want to hold on to the memories it, give it time to recover. Overgrown lilacs are often slow to recover from severe pruning. Do minimal shaping over the next few years as the plant sends out new growth. If you are ready for a change consider replacing your old lilac with a newer, more disease resistant cultivar.

Related

Upcoming
Events & Webinars


August 6-16, 2026
Wisconsin State Fair
We Energies Energy Park, West Allis, WI

August 29, 2026
Composting 102
Milwaukee Public Library - East Branch
Register here

Sept. 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR: 
Tree Planting and Care
Register here

Sept. 11, 2026
Illinois State Master Gardener Conference
Rockford, IL
Register here

Sept. 12, 2026
2026 Knowledge in Bloom Conference
Urban Ecology Center, Milw., WI
Register here

Sept. 17, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Care and Planting

Register here

Sept. 26, 2026
Pruning Hydrangeas & Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

Oct. 6, 2026
Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference
La Crosse, WI
Register here

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

MORE UPCOMING EVENT DETAILS 

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Sign up for Melinda's free newsletter for a chance to win this Milorganite 100th Anniversary prize package.

ENTER NOW