My 50 year old lilac bush- HELP
Jill Bula
4 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (6)
Yardvaark
4 years agoJill Bula
4 years agoRelated Discussions
HAVE: Old Fashioned Purple Rooted Lilac Bushes to trade
Comments (7)you know one of my traders pointed out that I didn't mention how large these plants are. They are 2 year old suckers and the height is anywhere from as high as my knee, to as high as my thigh, lol. How"s that for a description. I have to tape 2 of the priorty boxes together to mail them out. Thanks for letting me update and thank to everyone for the wonderful trades! Sue...See MorePlease help identify this 50 year old plant.
Comments (2)Not the best pix to ID from but I think it's some kind of Epiphyllum. Has it ever bloomed for your Mom? Big blooms, fragrant which open at night? (I think) This is a tropical plant, not fragile at all, don't be afraid to cut it back in Spring, it'll grow back well. Let's see what others say, but that's what I think it is. I don't really grow this, so can't speak to its care, but am guessing medium to bright light (not direct sunlight), more thru a sheer curtain if you can & a fair amount of water in the warmer months. Can your Mom share w/ you her info. on care for this plant? From the look of yours, it's doing fine....See MoreDid my father in law kill our 50 year old apple tree?
Comments (8)Looks like it was falling over anyway. If this little thing is 50 years old, it must be on fully dwarfing rootstock. The leaning would also fit that situation, the dinky roots that fully dwarf the top also not being enough to hold it up as it reaches full development. But: was anyone selling fully dwarfed apple cultivars 50 years ago? It probably won't die but as mentioned it will have to be worked with to get a decent shape back. Likely threats to long-term health are burning and cracking of the tops of the now fully exposed main branches, and failure to recover from its stored energy reserves being reduced by the removal of most branches - and depleted by the growing of new ones. Mature trees may be thrown enough out of balance by brutal pruning that they never regain it, and gradually sink away like the Titanic. Growth may continue for years but eventually it peters and dies. Chainsaw pruning of apple trees is epidemic out here, one of many ignorant yet pervasive practices. Most old trees have been attacked at some point, and when inspected prove to have serious decay problems in the main branches or trunk....See MoreOld Fashioned Lilac Bush - where to plant
Comments (5)East side would be fine, but if what you have is the common syringa vulgaris (old fashioned "lilac colored" lilac), planting it 3' from the house will make it very unhappy in a scant few years... not to mention the wear and tear on your house's siding. Depending on how small your small yard is, I would probably opt for center or slightly off center in the front yard with full sun for optimum bloom. I see a lot of them in yards here (both large and small lots) as lone specimen plants - and they can look pretty nice. They can get huge, however....See MoreJill Bula
4 years agoJill Bula
4 years ago
Related Stories
KIDS’ SPACESThis Designer’s Client Was Her 10-Year-Old Son
What do you give a boy with a too-babyish bedroom when he’s approaching double digits? See for yourself
Full StoryMODERN HOMESHouzz Tour: 800-Year-Old Walls, Modern Interiors in Provence
Old architecture and new additions mix beautifully in a luxurious renovated vacation home
Full StoryFLOWERS AND PLANTSSpectacular Blooms Distinguish the Common Lilac Bush
Don’t let the name fool you. There’s nothing ordinary about the blooms this centuries-long favorite produces
Full StoryBASEMENTSRoom of the Day: Swank Basement Redo for a 100-Year-Old Row House
A downtown Knoxville basement goes from low-ceilinged cave to welcoming guest retreat
Full Story50 Great Gifts Under $50
Our favorite budget-minded holiday gifts for the design lovers on your list
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNIdeas From the Year’s Top 10 Kitchens of the Week
Get inspired by the found objects, reclaimed hardware, efficient storage and work zones in our top kitchens of 2016
Full StoryHOUZZ CALLTell Us Your New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home
Share your plans and dreams for your house this year — whether they involve organizing, remodeling or redecorating
Full StoryFLOWERSSneak a Peek at Some of Next Year’s Irresistible New Roses
Here are top 2018 picks for beautiful blooms, lovely fragrances and exceptional disease resistance
Full StoryLIFEWhat We Love (and Don’t) About New Year’s
Here are our favorite and least favorite things about ringing in the new year. What are yours?
Full StoryHOLIDAYSPorch Decorating Ideas From Thanksgiving to New Year’s
Long-lasting wreaths, potted plants and more can cheer up your entryway from fall through winter
Full Story
Yardvaark