Holly Tone a good lilac fertilizer? - Ask Extension
Or is there a better one? My bush (in South Minneapolis) is over 5 years old and I want to maintain it. The internet provides conflicting information;...
Knowledgebase
Holly Tone a good lilac fertilizer? #926861
Asked March 26, 2026, 6:47 PM EDT
Or is there a better one? My bush (in South Minneapolis) is over 5 years old and I want to maintain it. The internet provides conflicting information; I’d rather reach out to an actual expert.
Thanks in advance,
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Holly tone is an acidifying fertilizer and lilacs do best in neutral to slightly alkaline soil. It is not a good choice for lilacs. If you fertilize your lawn lilacs won’t need supplemental fertilizer.
https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/lilacs
They probably don’t need supplemental fertilizer and extra nitrogen causes them to produce more leaves instead of flowers.
https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/lilacs
They probably don’t need supplemental fertilizer and extra nitrogen causes them to produce more leaves instead of flowers.
Hi Evelyn,
Thank you for getting back to me. I won’t be buying Holly Tone!
Have a good weekend,
Leann
L & J Graphics
Leann E. Johnson
<personal data hidden>
On Mar 27, 2026, at 9:51 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
You too! Soon it will feel like spring.
