When to prune a Japanese lilac tree (Syringa reticulata subsp. reticulata) - Ask Extension
Hello--I have a well established Japanese lilac tree that finished blooming in mid to late June. I'm trying to determine if the dead flowers and now ...
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When to prune a Japanese lilac tree (Syringa reticulata subsp. reticulata) #876311
Asked July 08, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT
Hello--I have a well established Japanese lilac tree that finished blooming in mid to late June. I'm trying to determine if the dead flowers and now seed pods should be pruned off now or if I can prune the whole tree in winter. I'm unclear if trimming it in winter will risk removing next year's flowers.
I appreciate your help with this as I've been unable to get/find a consistent answer to this question.
Thank you,
Sarah Hawkins
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
You have a beautiful tree and it looks like it's fairly large. Is there a particular reason why you want to cut off the old blooms/seed pods? In general, you do no need to cut off old blooms. Like the common lilac, the Japanese Lilac Tree blooms on old wood and they are best left alone.
The US Forest Service has a good fact sheet on the Japanese Lilac Tree that you might find helpful. Here is a link to the fact sheet: https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/syrreta.pdf
The US Forest Service has a good fact sheet on the Japanese Lilac Tree that you might find helpful. Here is a link to the fact sheet: https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/syrreta.pdf
