Question From: Flint, Michigan, United States
Q: Hi Nancy. We have a 3 year old ever blooming lilac bush. I know how to prune a regular lilac bush right after it flowers but how about an ever blooming one? I pruned it the first year but was afraid so have not done it since.
A: Lois read the Basics of Pruning on the Yardener.com website. Just enter the phrase in the search box and click. How much to prune depends on what size you want to keep it. If you don't wish to shorten it. Use thinning cuts to take out a few of the inner branches to give it some air. You can also take out an entire branch by cutting it at the base with a saw. Do sharpen your tools before you start. If you shorten it with heading cuts make those cuts were the branch meet the stem to prevent having it look like a lolly pop. You prune an ever bloomer the same as you would a regular lilac. They begin developing spring blooms around mid August, so that would be the best time to do it. By doing a little every year you won't loose end of season blooms. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
