When to Prune Korean Lilac Bushes
Old-wood, flowering bushes yield flowers that bloom on the previous year"s growth. New-wood bushes yield flowers that grow on the current year"s growth. The best time to prune bushes depends on whether they are old-wood or new-wood bloomers.
Bloom Season
Korean lilac bushes, also known as Manchurian lilacs, are frequently purchased as dwarf varieties, particularly of the cultivar Miss Kim. Small and compact, they can grow into full-sized specimens and hedge plants. These bushes flower on old wood and should be deadheaded -- a pruning technique -- as soon as the blooms fade, usually in early summer.
Deadheading
Deadheading is a technique used for bushes that do not require serious pruning; Korean lilacs fall under this category. To deadhead a plant, simply cut the fading flower"s stem off, leaving the surrounding shoots alone. The small shoots grow throughout summer and set buds, which emerge the following spring. Deadheading forces the plant to spend its energy setting new buds rather than foliage. This allows for a greater flower show in spring.
Annual Pruning
Deadheading should be done annually after flowers fade. During the deadheading process, take notice of any dead branches and remove them. Clear the bush of any debris and look out for possible insect damage.
References
University of Illinois Extension: Manchurian Lilac
Fine Gardening: Pruning Lilacs
When to Prune Korean Lilac Bushes
30-04-2011, 04:25
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