Liliac Bush - Ask Extension
I need some advice as soon as possible please. My just passed away unexpectedly last week. She bought me a lilac bush last year that I planted near my...
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Liliac Bush #876255
Asked July 07, 2024, 10:50 PM EDT
I need some advice as soon as possible please. My just passed away unexpectedly last week. She bought me a lilac bush last year that I planted near my window however I am not sure it was getting enough sun. When I found out last Saturday that mom had passed I dug up the Liliac bush because I NEED to save it because it is something so significant from my mom and I can’t lose it too. I was afraid it had died because it only had two little brown sticks- they were bendy and did not snap off. I dug it out and made sure I got a lot of the root system. I put it in a 5 gallon bucket and put holes in the bottom and on the side. I put it in the bucket with Miracle Grow soil and put honey on the roots and added plant feed. I have had it in the bucket since Sunday June 30. I have been watering it everyday and took it inside tonight and placed it under a grow light. I really need some guidance on what I should do to try to save it. Should I plant it back in the ground etc.
Please contact me ASAP.
I appreciate all your help
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
Sad to hear of your loss.
As for the lilac, yes, it will be best for you to plant it in the ground as soon as possible. Select a site that gets the most sun (at least 6 hours) for the most flower production. Plant it at the same depth it was originally planted. Be sure that the planting hole is thoroughly watered. After planting, apply a 4-6 inch layer of shredded bark around the base of the lilac. This mulch will help reduce water loss through evaporation and create a more even soil temperature, thus reducing stress for the transplant.
You will not need to water the lilac everyday as this may be too much water. Before watering again, be sure to carefully dig down and see if any moisture is left where the roots are. If the soil is dried out, then water thoroughly.
After a few weeks, if the lilac is still alive, you will see some new buds and leaves on the stems. You can also use your fingernail and scrape off the bark on branches. If you see green, then this stem is alive. Your lilac will probably not bloom next year and may take 2-3 years to bounce back before it actually flowers.
Here is more about pruning your lilac: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pruning_spring_flowering_shrubs.
Thanks for your question.
Sad to hear of your loss.
As for the lilac, yes, it will be best for you to plant it in the ground as soon as possible. Select a site that gets the most sun (at least 6 hours) for the most flower production. Plant it at the same depth it was originally planted. Be sure that the planting hole is thoroughly watered. After planting, apply a 4-6 inch layer of shredded bark around the base of the lilac. This mulch will help reduce water loss through evaporation and create a more even soil temperature, thus reducing stress for the transplant.
You will not need to water the lilac everyday as this may be too much water. Before watering again, be sure to carefully dig down and see if any moisture is left where the roots are. If the soil is dried out, then water thoroughly.
After a few weeks, if the lilac is still alive, you will see some new buds and leaves on the stems. You can also use your fingernail and scrape off the bark on branches. If you see green, then this stem is alive. Your lilac will probably not bloom next year and may take 2-3 years to bounce back before it actually flowers.
Here is more about pruning your lilac: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pruning_spring_flowering_shrubs.
Thanks for your question.
