Removing their faded flowers can help stimulate follow-up blooms.

Mar 02, Cutting Selection – Select approximately three or four stem cuttings from the stock plant to ensure a better survival rate. The cuttings should be between three to five inches in length and contain two to three nodes. While making the cutting, use a sharp pruner or scissors to make a clean cut.

Dull blades can damage the proximal end of the cutting. Jun 14, Take cuttings of lilac bushes from tender new growth in late spring or early summer. Mature growth is less likely to root. Take several cuttings to increase your chance of success.

Take cuttings in the morning when the weather is cool and the plant is well-hydrated. Cut 4- to 6-inch lengths ( cm.) of tender, new growth.

Apr 02, How to Prune Lilac Bushes. When pruning lilacs, cutting back the tops of overgrown stems is oftentimes not enough. It is generally better to cut the entire stem.

Trimming lilacs is best accomplished using clippers. Remove spent blooms all the way to the stems to prevent seeding and encourage more blooms later on. Jul 08, How to Prune Lilac Bushes Regular Maintenance Pruning. The general shrub pruning rule is to cut no more than a third of the stems each year. 2  Rejuvenation Pruning. Older lilacs can have stems as thick as small trees and will flower only on.

Mar 24, Tips on how to rejuvenate an old Lilac with heavy pruning. Tools to help your project along include loppers, a folding saw and hand pruners. See a follow-up.