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How does your garden grow?

Two years ago, I planted 2 lilac bushes but sadly they have not grown at all and there has certainly been no sign of any flowers, although at this point I would be happy to settle for some new growth! 

They are in full sun, with good drainage.

Can anyone offer any advice?  

Posts

  • lydiaannlydiaann Posts: 300

    Like a lot of shrubs, lilacs seem to take a couple of years to get going, particularly flowering - I had the same trouble with a hydrangea and a climbing hydrangea.  An RHS 'expert' told me to feed both in the early spring with tomato food to assist in the process.  If the plant isn't actually dying, I don't think there's anything to worry about really, other than normal TLC, just try the tomato food next late Feb/early March.  

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190

    I read that Lilacs don't like acid soil, I have to lime wash mine every couple of years, do you know what type of soil you have. 

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Oh, that could be it then, I have tested it in a couple of areas and although not acid, it is heading that way.  Thank you Lyn. Maybe I will be better donating them and replanting with something else ?

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190

    You can mix a couple of tablespoons of lime in a 2gallon watering can and pour the whole lot on, that's what I do.

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093

    How odd. My soil is acidic enough for blueberries and I don't have a problem growing flowering lilac - it grows wild in the hedges around here too.

    Doesn't help the OP of course image except to say try following Lyn's advice and don't give up too quickly - they maybe just need a bit of a push.

    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
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