Planting lilacs in the country - good way to decorate and diversify the landscape of the site, because the flowering of the tree and the smell of inflorescences are so good that they freely delight the soul.
In addition, lilac is very unpretentious, and it is very easy to care for it, which no doubt gives another plus to the shrub. But forgetting about timely pruning, you can start the growth of dense crowns of inflorescences, which will not only worsen the appearance of the plant, but can also kill it.
Why prune lilacs?
Bush pruning is carried out not only for the sake of good flowering... If you forget about this mandatory procedure, lilacs can grow up to 5-6 m in height.
Such dimensional tree is unlikely to have a positive effect on appearance plot, moreover, can lead to more unpleasant consequences (branches will climb into windows, can hook wires and so on).
But observing the balance of old and new stems, you can facilitate the growth of a shrub, which in response will delight you with flowers and smell. Of course, new shoots will not bloom immediately, but the flowering of old ones can be improved.
Note! If pruned regularly every year, the tree will look like a purple blooming ball in a couple of years.
When to prune lilacs?
In addition to the fact that once a year, old branches must be cut off for rejuvenation, new shoots are no less in need of processing. Therefore, the pruner will be needed in different time of the year. The pruning procedure is usually carried out in early spring or late summer - these periods are associated with the flowering of the bush.
Pruning before flowering
Before flowering, lilacs are pruned in order to extend the life of the inflorescences. In other words, if before the appearance of the first crowns, you can extend the flowering period itself.
But you need to do the procedure without cutting heights, so as not to damage the buds that have appeared. At the same time, it is better to remove interfering long or damaged branches at the beginning of spring.
How to grow more crops?
Any gardener and summer resident is pleased to receive big harvest with large fruits... Unfortunately, it is not always possible to get the desired result.
Plants often lack nutrition and minerals
It has the following properties:
- Allows increase yield by 50% in just a few weeks of use.
- You can get a good harvest even on low fertile soils and in adverse climatic conditions
- Absolutely safe
Pruning after flowering
When flowering ends, be sure to cut off the faded inflorescences. If this is not done, it is these shoots that will begin to form seeds, which will inevitably weaken the bush. At the same time, high branches are removed.
Pruning during flowering
Some people think that pruning flowering branches makes life easier for the shrub. But this is not entirely true, the cut sites during this period are very difficult and heal for a long time, the lilac spends a lot of energy on recovery and if it is not enough, you can cut off just a couple of inflorescences to destroy the entire branch.
Therefore, to trim flowering bouquets, you should follow several rules for the correct procedure without harming the shrub itself.
Pruning inflorescences for a bouquet:
- Do not break the tree by cutting off the inflorescences; use a knife or pruner.
- When cutting off the color, you can not capture the foliage, this harms the shoots. Cut flowers as high as possible.
- When trimming flowering crowns, form the bush itself at the same time, it is better to trim vertical or curved branches.
General rules for pruning lilacs
Regardless of what kind of goal is pursued, cutting off branches and shoots, they must follow the general rules for the procedure.
Only 1/3 of the old branches should be pruned per year. Adhering to this rule, it will be possible to rejuvenate and restore the shrub. New shoots will appear more often, and the flowering of old ones will become more stable.
Ideally, leave 8-12 stems of different ages on the tree, each one should be about 2.5-6 cm in diameter.
The first pruning is done like this:
- dead or painful branches must be removed (regardless of the ratio of old and new branches);
- they also get rid of thin and fragile branches;
- very thick branches also need to be cut;
- branches that interfere with the shape of the shrub are subject to pruning.
Note! Sticking to such simple and the necessary recommendations, tree growth can be greatly improved. New shoots will appear more often and the inflorescences will be full and beautiful, the shape of the bush will remain correct, and the lilac itself will be healthy.
Stories from our readers!
“I am a summer resident with many years of experience, and I started using this fertilizer only last year. I tested it on the most capricious vegetable in my garden - on tomatoes. The bushes grew and bloomed together, they gave more harvest than usual. And they did not suffer from late blight, this is the main thing.
Fertilizer really gives more intensive growth garden plants, and they bear fruit much better. Now you cannot grow a normal crop without fertilizing, and this feeding increases the amount of vegetables, so I am very pleased with the result. "
Required tools
Caring for the tree does not require any special tools. A pruner (pruning young and thin branches), a hacksaw (to remove old, diseased and too thick branches), and garden varnish or oil paint to treat the resulting wounds will be enough.
It is imperative to process and disinfect the tools, because the risk of infecting and killing the tree during pruning remains.
Autumn pruning for winter
Each shrub must develop and bloom profusely, for this pruning is needed, including the procedure for cutting branches in the fall
In addition, if the need for shaping and rejuvenating the tree during previous pruning has not disappeared, these procedures can be combined with the preparation of lilacs for winter.
For high-quality and correct cultivation of lilacs in the fall, follow the following rules:
- First, dry and aching branches are removed, as well as shoots with an incorrect growth vector. Further, the shrub must be thinned out: two closely standing branches cannot be left, one will have to be cut off.
- The overgrowths near the bushes are also subject to removal.
How to prune lilacs in spring?
The beginning of spring pruning is sanitary measures:
- a cut of blackened branches (not frozen);
- get rid of crooked, damaged and diseased branches and overgrowth.
You can cut off the shoots formed inside the future flowering cap of the shrub, in any case they will experience a lack of lighting and space.
Correct spring pruning lilac:
- It is imperative to remove all the shoots, they will interfere with the growth of varietal shoots.
- Cut off thick branches so that their rotting does not ruin the entire bush.
- You can not cut the height of the tree in the spring, it is extremely harmful to both new and old shoots.
Note! There is no need to update the bush if the procedure for cutting branches is carried out correctly in the spring.
Features of anti-aging pruning
The procedure for rejuvenating shrubs over 10-12 years old is not as easy as an annual one. Each spring, you will have to patiently cut 2-3 old skeletal branches.
But the old sleeping branch will disappear, and a new renewed shoot will appear in its place. But it will not be possible to renew the tree in less than 3-4 years.
Slices large diameter necessarily processed oil paint (brilliant green can be an alternative) or garden pitch... A wound diameter of more than 3-4 cm can provoke rotting, which will completely destroy the lilac.
How to prune a lilac tree?
To form a complete healthy and beautiful tree lilacs, begin pruning in annual seedlings. To do this, all the lower buds are cut to a height of 60-80 cm.Next, you need to count 4-5 pairs of buds up, and the last pair left on top is cut off with a pruner or sharp knife, forming a spike of 2-2.5 cm.
How to prune lilacs in a hedge?
For this option for growing lilacs, pruning of branches is carried out immediately after planting the seedlings. In this case, the upper branches, on the contrary, are left intact and only the lateral branches are cut off to activate their growth.
For the development of a dense and beautiful lilac hedge, growing branches are often intertwined. It is on the lateral branches that the new inflorescences need to be partially cut, which will make the trees lower but much denser.
Note! For planting a living fence, they prefer undersized varieties of Meyer's lilac or Amur lilac. You should adhere to an interval of 140-150 cm when planting.
To ensure a colorful and dense flowering of the shrub for the next year, pruning is carried out immediately after the branches have faded. Seed formation is very energy intensive for lilacs, this will prevent it from forming new flowering shoots.
If the tree is not fruitful, you can prune the branches whenever you want, this will not harm the formation of new buds.
Note! If, after pruning, voids appear in the crowns, you should not be afraid - this is a sign of the formation of new shoots by autumn, which is even good for decorative tree renewal.
Bush care after pruning
As mentioned earlier, lilac cut sites take a very long time to heal, which negatively affects the shrub (and therefore its flowering):
- To help the bush to regain strength, it is imperative to treat the cuts with oil or garden varnish. If there are no such materials, and you don’t want to use brilliant green, you can buy specialized products in any store, or varnish and balsam for trees.
- Many people use wax or charcoal to disinfect the cut.
- If the tree was cut in the fall (although this method is appropriate in spring as well), root feeding of the plant is carried out. For this, the shrub is fed with nitrogen using ammonium nitrate. Ash or organic fertilizers are often used as fertilizer.
- For the autumn maintenance of the health of the tree, you can use products based on phosphorus or potassium, but it is not recommended to repeat this procedure more often than once every three years.
Note! Lilacs are really unpretentious and very beautiful. It is easy to care for the shrub, and the result will delight every gardener.
The fragrant, vibrant lilac is easy to grow in most regions. To maintain lilacs in good shape and in proper dimensions, it must be regularly cut, regardless of whether it is a small bush or a big tree... To get in the spring beautiful flowers, lilacs must be cut at certain times of the year. In this article, you will learn all about pruning lilacs.
Steps
Part 1
Performing annual pruning- This means that you will not shorten the flower part of the shoot and create all the conditions for stimulating the growth of lateral shoots.
- If the long branch does not have side shoots closer to the base, cut off a nearby node or bud from which new shoots will grow.
- Pruning long shoots encourages new, healthy growth in the pruning area.
-
Thin out lilacs. Look for wilted or dead branches. If you find loose, darkened, or damaged branches on your lilac bush (tree), cut them closer to the base. This process is called thinning, and it helps increase access and circulation. fresh air in the bush, and removing dead leaves saves plant energy.
-
Don't prune in late summer or fall. This annual pruning should be done in early or late spring, in May or June. This pruning stimulates the formation of new flower buds, which from this period will begin to form to bloom the next year. However, if you prune too late in the summer, you can prune the shoots with already formed flower buds, and then the flowering will be poor next year.
- If you prune in the fall or winter, your lilacs may not bloom at all the next year.
Cut open flowers in spring. When the lilac inflorescences are fully blooming and the flowering is gradually declining, cutting flowers for bouquets will only benefit the tree. The flowers left on the branches will wither, but will continue to take energy from the tree, which could be used for its growth. Therefore, do not feel guilty going out with a pruner to cut all the most beautiful flowers - you are doing a good job for your lilacs. Another time frame for this type of pruning is to remove the buds from the bush when they have already wilted. In addition to pruning the buds at peak flowering, trim off already wilted buds.
Cut just at the base of the inflorescence.
Cut off the tops of long branches. Inspect your lilac bush or tree to see if there are branches that are too long, but healthy, that need to be shortened. Such pruning will give the lilac bush (tree) a harmonious and attractive look. The process of slightly shortening the shoots is called pinching. To trim long stems, use hand scissors to cut near the nearest pair of side shoots.
- If flowers on one branch wilt earlier than others, cut those flowers before all others. This will ensure that the lilacs will bloom next year.
- As soon as the lilacs are in bloom, start cutting off the flowers to place the bouquets at home.
- Garden shears can be used as effectively as pruning shears, but using them to prune lilac bushes can strip the plant of its charm by making it look too neat.
Warnings
- Don't remove too many shoots. General rule is to remove about one third of the shoots and create a balance of old and new shoots. Since flowers appear on old shoots, you will want to keep them. But if you cut off all new shoots instead of the old ones, then in the future the plant will not be able to bloom.
Cropping - important element care for ornamental shrubs... It promotes the formation of flower buds and plant rejuvenation. Lilac also refers to crops, the crown of which is desirable to constantly form. How should this manipulation be performed in spring and autumn periods and according to what scheme can be found in the article.
Why cut bushes
Everyone knows that most plants consist of aboveground and underground parts, which are completely dependent on each other. Any impact on one of them is instantly reflected in the second. Therefore only correct pruning - the key to the well-being of the plant as a whole.
Lilacs are no exception to the general mass. Its shoots are arranged in such a way that 2 branches sprout from each node. With time root system simply unable to provide the overgrown crown with nutrients, as a result of which the plant will be weak and very few buds are formed on it.
For achievement decorative look required regular pruning lilac. Any deviation from the rules will cause irreparable damage. For those gardeners who very often and thoughtlessly prune something, the bushes may die altogether.
Attention! By pruning lilacs every year and according to the existing rules established empirically, you can get bushes literally strewn with flowers along their entire height.
It should be borne in mind that lilacs, like any other plant, "get a shock" during pruning, and thick sections can rot in steady wet weather. Experts recommend excluding feeding during this period, and lubricate all wounds with brilliant green or other suitable antiseptic to avoid problems.
How to prune in the fall
Pruning lilacs in the fall is required to achieve several goals:
- removal of old and damaged branches;
- rejuvenation of the bush;
- giving to the bush beautiful shape, that is, its formation.
As usual, all these procedures are carried out in the early spring, but many gardeners practice them in the fall.
Attention! Work should be done no later than a month before persistent cold weather. Otherwise, the plant will not have time to recover.
Sanitary pruning is the cutting of any dry or damaged shoots. This also includes the removal of inflorescences that have served their time. The rejuvenating procedure is recommended to be performed only from the 15-year-old age of the lilac bush. It includes cutting off excess young shoots and shortening the tops. The latter is performed in order to activate the branching of lateral shoots. Formative pruning of lilacs is also included in autumn care... Thanks to her, the plant is given the intended shape. For example, to get a bush in the shape of a cylinder, the following scheme is required:
- On the lilac, which has reached 3 years old, 4-5 main shoots are left, the growth of which is directed in different directions. The rest are carefully cut to the ground. The tops of the branches left are trimmed at the same level.
- For the second season, the most powerful, well-branched shoots are left. They should be at the top of the bush and point outward. The rest, thickening the crown, are removed.
- Each subsequent season, the scheme is repeated until the crown acquires the intended appearance. In this case, there should be no thickening or noticeable voids.
Such a scheme, in addition to its main purpose, will not allow the shrub to age.
Attention! All trimming work should be done on a cloudy day. This will help avoid sun damage to injured shoots.
In addition to the cylinder, the lilac looks good in the standard form. But such plants cannot be called strong. They often get sick and freeze.
How to prune lilacs before flowering and during
Lilac pruning in spring is mainly carried out for sanitary purposes. All shoots darkened and broken during the winter are removed. It is not recommended to thin out the lilacs at this time - there is a threat that the plant will "refuse" to throw out the buds this season.
Lilac bush formation
In addition, old, lichen-covered branches or those that have cracked bark should be removed in the spring before bud break. Such shoots consume a lot nutrients, while flower buds are not formed on them. Of the young shoots, several of the strongest are left on lilacs in order to maintain annual growth. They must grow upward and not disturb the shape of the crown. During the flowering period of lilacs, cutting of many fragrant inflorescences is allowed, which gardeners like to decorate their homes with. This procedure has a beneficial effect on the shrub.
Attention! Blooming lilacs cannot be broken. At the place of the break, an ugly trace remains, into which pathogens can get.
Pruning lilacs for rejuvenation
This procedure is performed on old, heavily overgrown lilac bushes. After that, be sure to water and feed the plant. Do it in early spring, at a time when the buds have not yet blossomed, according to the following scheme:
- Weak and unnecessary shoots are cut to ground level.
- Those branches that you decided to leave are cut off 40-60 cm from the root collar.
- Spring next season most the left shoots are cut into a ring. On each stump, you will get several strong branches.
The buds on the lilac bush are formed 3 years after the start of rejuvenation.
Attention! Strong pruning of such a plan extends decorativeness only for several years. Old hemp is quickly destroyed and the plant dies.
Lilac is a plant that requires minimal maintenance. Several bushes with different colors of flowers, pruning of which is carried out annually according to the rules, can become the main decoration of the entire site.
Pruning is an important part of caring for ornamental shrubs. It promotes the formation of flower buds and plant rejuvenation. Lilac also refers to crops, the crown of which is desirable to constantly form. How this manipulation should be performed in the spring and autumn periods and according to what scheme can be learned from the article.
Why cut bushes
Everyone knows that most plants consist of aboveground and underground parts, which are completely dependent on each other. Any impact on one of them is instantly reflected in the second. Therefore, only correct pruning is the key to the well-being of the plant as a whole.
Is no exception from the total mass. Its shoots are arranged in such a way that 2 branches sprout from each node. Over time, the root system is simply not able to provide the overgrown crown with nutrients, as a result of which the plant will be weak and very few buds are formed on it.
To achieve a decorative look, regular pruning of lilacs is required. Any deviation from the rules will cause irreparable damage. For those gardeners who very often and thoughtlessly prune something, the bushes may die altogether.
Attention! By pruning lilacs every year and according to the existing rules established empirically, you can get bushes literally strewn with flowers along their entire height.
It should be borne in mind that lilacs, like any other plant, "get a shock" during pruning, and thick sections can rot in steady wet weather. Experts recommend excluding feeding during this period, and lubricate all wounds with brilliant green or other suitable antiseptic to avoid problems.
How to prune in the fall
Pruning lilacs in the fall is required to achieve several goals:
- removal of old and damaged branches;
- rejuvenation of the bush;
- giving the shrub a beautiful shape, that is, its formation.
As usual, all these procedures are carried out in the early spring, but many gardeners practice them in the fall.
Attention! Work should be done no later than a month before persistent cold weather. Otherwise, the plant will not have time to recover.
Sanitary pruning is the cutting of any dry or damaged shoots. This also includes the removal of inflorescences that have served their time. The rejuvenating procedure is recommended to be performed only from the 15-year-old age of the lilac bush. It includes cutting off excess young shoots and shortening the tops. The latter is performed in order to activate the branching of lateral shoots. Formative pruning of lilacs is also included in fall care. Thanks to her, the plant is given the intended shape. For example, to get a bush in the shape of a cylinder, the following scheme is required:
- On the lilac, which has reached 3 years old, 4-5 main shoots are left, the growth of which is directed in different directions. The rest are carefully cut to the ground. The tops of the branches left are trimmed at the same level.
- For the second season, the most powerful, well-branched shoots are left. They should be at the top of the bush and point outward. The rest, thickening the crown, are removed.
- Each subsequent season, the scheme is repeated until the crown acquires the intended appearance. In this case, there should be no thickening or noticeable voids.
Such a scheme, in addition to its main purpose, will not allow the shrub to age.
Attention! All trimming work should be done on a cloudy day. This will help avoid sun damage to injured shoots.
In addition to the cylinder, the lilac looks good in the standard form. But such plants cannot be called strong. They often get sick and freeze.
How to prune lilacs before flowering and during
Lilac pruning in spring is mainly carried out for sanitary purposes. All shoots darkened and broken during the winter are removed. It is not recommended to thin out the lilacs at this time - there is a threat that the plant will "refuse" to throw out the buds this season.
Lilac bush formation
In addition, old, lichen-covered branches or those that have cracked bark should be removed in the spring before bud break. Such shoots consume a lot of nutrients, while flower buds are not formed on them. Of the young shoots, several of the strongest are left on lilacs in order to maintain annual growth. They must grow upward and not disturb the shape of the crown. During the flowering period of lilacs, cutting of many fragrant inflorescences is allowed, which gardeners like to decorate their homes with. This procedure has a beneficial effect on the shrub.
Attention! Blooming lilacs cannot be broken. At the place of the break, an ugly trace remains, into which pathogens can get.
Pruning lilacs for rejuvenation
This procedure is performed on old, heavily overgrown lilac bushes. After that, be sure to water and feed the plant. This is done in early spring, at a time when the buds have not yet blossomed, according to the following scheme:
- Weak and unnecessary shoots are cut to ground level.
- Those branches that you decided to leave are cut off 40-60 cm from the root collar.
- In the spring of the next season, most of the left shoots are cut into a ring. On each stump, you will get several strong branches.
The buds on the lilac bush are formed 3 years after the start of rejuvenation.
Attention! Strong pruning of such a plan extends decorativeness only for several years. Old hemp is quickly destroyed and the plant dies.
Lilac is a plant that requires minimal maintenance. Several bushes with different colors of flowers, pruning of which is carried out annually according to the rules, can become the main decoration of the entire site.
The beautiful shape and abundant annual flowering of lilacs is supported by systematic pruning for various purposes... The main pruning techniques in lilacs: shortening shoots and thinning the bush.
Shoots are shortened mainly when pruning young seedlings in the nursery for the formation and laying of a crown, as well as when transplanting a bush, correcting its shape, reducing height and rejuvenating. Lilac tolerates pruning well on perennial wood, as dormant buds awaken in it even on very old branches. Shortening rate annual shoots affects the length of the newly formed side shoots. So, with a very short (strong) pruning, ugly, ankle shoots with long internodes develop. The longer the part of the shoot is left, the shorter will be side shoots next year.
Pruning mature shrubs mainly consists of thinning the crowns. This is due to the fact that every year each shoot in the bush forms two to four new shoots, so that the crown thickens strongly. At the same time, the nutrition and illumination of the bushes deteriorate, growth decreases, flowering weakens, inflorescences and flowers become smaller, the development of pests and diseases increases. Thus, annual pruning to reduce the number of branches is essential.
Since the flower buds are located at the ends of the shoots at approximately the same level over the entire surface of the bush, it is impossible to shorten the shoots so as not to lose flowering for one to two years. With a partial shortening, its shape is sharply distorted. Thinning makes it possible to reduce the number of growth points without disrupting the natural development of the bush. Annual and older branches are cut into a ring, that is, until the fork itself, without leaving stumps, since they usually dry out later and the buds on them do not awaken. When thinning, they strive to ensure that the left branches are placed in the crown in the most appropriate way, beautifully and well lit.
Formation of lilac bushes
In the first three to four years after planting the plants in a permanent place, the task of pruning is to create strong skeletal branches - the basis of the entire bush. Note that the transplanted bushes in the year of planting usually give very weak growth, therefore, during two growing seasons, only sanitary pruning is carried out in the bushes.
In the third year, when the growths become strong, they begin to form the future skeleton of the bush by thinning. In early spring, before the buds begin to awaken, in the crown of the bush they find from six to ten most successfully located branches, which do not "squeeze" the bush, but stretch it to the periphery; they will become the main skeletal branches - trunks. All the rest are cut “on the ring”. When pruning, as always, the subordination of the shoots in length is observed. Small shoots growing inside the crown are completely removed, and those directed to its periphery are shortened. This stimulates thickening of the skeletal branches and enhances assimilation. Shoots around the bushes are removed as they appear.
In the future, in addition to thinning, adult lilac bushes need pruning to form a bush from branches different ages, sanitary improvement, removal of overgrowth, regulation of flowering, etc. If the trunks "go" up too much, then they are reduced by cutting at a height of 1-1.5 m.
The formation of aging bushes has its own characteristics. In the bushes of the species lilac and varietal rooted in early spring, decrepit branches with weak growths are cut to the soil level, and young shoots of replacement are formed from the growing shoots over the next two or three years. It is better to replace the weakening skeletal branches gradually, one or two shoots per year, keeping the shape of the bush. Younger skeletal branches, which have individual weakened branches, are pruned into strong or well-located shoots.
In grafted lilacs, all skeletal branches of the crown belong to the scion, therefore, they cannot be replaced with basal shoots and rhizome offspring growing from the rootstock. Replacement shoots can only be formed from dormant buds above the graft site.
Thinning and sanitary pruning of lilacs
These types of pruning are carried out mainly in early spring, and during the growing season additionally as needed.
In all lilac bushes, regardless of age, dry, broken, diseased, pest-infested, ugly-shaped shoots are cut out to healthy wood, etc. Sanitary pruning is sometimes more convenient to transfer to the summer, when it is easier to find dry and diseased parts of plants.
Simultaneously with sanitary pruning, the crown is thinned out. First of all, the oppressed and old branches are removed, shoots are cut "into a ring", which mutually intersect or rub against each other. Fatty shoots are removed entirely if they cannot restore the cut branch or shoot, in the latter case they are shortened, leaving two or three pairs of well-developed buds from the base. All small overgrown, low-value twigs inside the crown are removed, since they will never bloom, but only in vain will use up nutrients and weaken the bush. Short growths on skeletal branches growing towards the periphery are retained, while long ones are shortened. This prevents the exposure of skeletal branches, especially from below, and inhibits the growth of bushes in height.
Small weak shoots, removed when thinning the crown of some valuable varieties, can be used for grafting with a twig or for "heel" cuttings.
When pruning the crown of a standard lilac, it should be borne in mind that it has less growth than that of a bush (the longer the stem, the shorter the growth). However, due to the better illumination of the crown, this form develops a very large number of shoots. Therefore, the thinning of the crown of the standard lilac is carried out more intensively, removing all unnecessary branches.