Mock Orange Bushes Do Not Flower

Question From: Farmington, Michigan, United States
Q: Hi Nancy, We live in Farmington Hills. Eight years ago we planted two mock orange bushes. We have had these kinds of bushes for many years in other states, both in the mid-west and the deep south. The two in Michigan are the only ones that have never flowered. Can we do anything other than replacing them? Thank you.

A: Lack of blooms is usually the result of too much nitrogen fertilizer, too little sun or both. If they are near the lawn they may be getting more than you think. There is a lilac bush on the side of my road that is over 70 years old. It's never watered or fertilized and it blooms every year. It does not however compete with tree roots for water. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.