Many of the newer lilac varieties grow quickly and might need pruning.

Jul 08, How to Prune Lilac Bushes Regular Maintenance Pruning. The general shrub pruning rule is to cut no more than a third of the stems each year. 2  Rejuvenation Pruning. Older lilacs can have stems as thick as small trees and will flower only on.

Apr 02, How to Prune Lilac Bushes. When pruning lilacs, cutting back the tops of overgrown stems is oftentimes not enough.

You can also propagate the lilac shoots in containers.

It is generally better to cut the entire stem. Trimming lilacs is best accomplished using clippers. Remove spent blooms all the way to the stems to prevent seeding and encourage more blooms later on. Apr 18, Tending to Your Lilacs Download Article 1. Plant lilacs in the fall in full sun. Lilacs need six hours of full sunlight a day to thrive. If your lilacs are not 2. Space lilac plants 5 to 15 feet ( to m) apart in slightly alkaline soil. Make sure you leave enough space 3. Water the %(7).