How to bring a lilac to a new place - Ask Extension
Hello! There is a 30+ year old lilac bush in my mother's backyard that I've loved since childhood. I'm moving to another part of the county and wanted...
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How to bring a lilac to a new place #930064
Asked April 29, 2026, 3:52 PM EDT
Hello! There is a 30+ year old lilac bush in my mother's backyard that I've loved since childhood. I'm moving to another part of the county and wanted to try to replant part of the bush at my new place. What is the procedure for propagating lilac?
Yamhill County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello,
I am placing a document about the propagation of lilacs below. Some can be difficult to root by cuttings depending upon the variety. However, using root sprouts is an easier method. If you are moving out of state you will need to make sure you are not moving soil or plants that have been grown outdoors. I would check the rules for the state you are moving to (the state's Dept. of Agriculture will regulate this), but generally you can only move plants that were grown indoors in purchased soil-less potting media. It may be possible to cut a root sprout and wash it well to remove the soil and establish it indoors in purchased potting media so that it can be moved legally. Using cuttings would solve the problem of moving soil, but depending upon when you are moving, trying to propagate a cutting and keep it alive as you move may be a challenge.
https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g1860/2008/html/view
Thank you for using Ask Extension!
I am placing a document about the propagation of lilacs below. Some can be difficult to root by cuttings depending upon the variety. However, using root sprouts is an easier method. If you are moving out of state you will need to make sure you are not moving soil or plants that have been grown outdoors. I would check the rules for the state you are moving to (the state's Dept. of Agriculture will regulate this), but generally you can only move plants that were grown indoors in purchased soil-less potting media. It may be possible to cut a root sprout and wash it well to remove the soil and establish it indoors in purchased potting media so that it can be moved legally. Using cuttings would solve the problem of moving soil, but depending upon when you are moving, trying to propagate a cutting and keep it alive as you move may be a challenge.
https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g1860/2008/html/view
Thank you for using Ask Extension!
Thank you, that is super helpful!
I’m moving from McMinnville to Grand Ronde, only 25 miles or so. It will be a little cooler there since it’s at the foot of the Coast Range.
Thanks for the link, I’ll take a look!
Thanks for the link, I’ll take a look!
Courtney
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On Thursday, 04/30/26 at 14:56 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hello,
Thanks for the clarification, I misread your question and thought you were moving do a different part of the country rather than county. You will not need to worry as much then about moving your lilac. It is always wise however to check for insect and other pests, jumping worms are definitely something around here that we don't want to spread.
Good luck with your move!
Thanks for the clarification, I misread your question and thought you were moving do a different part of the country rather than county. You will not need to worry as much then about moving your lilac. It is always wise however to check for insect and other pests, jumping worms are definitely something around here that we don't want to spread.
Good luck with your move!
