Light and Growth

• Plant lilacs in full sun for optimal growth. Too much shade will discourage lilac growth and encourage the development of powdery mildew.
  
  

Fertilizing

• Lilacs are not heavy feeders. Apply a general-purpose fertilizer once in the spring and once after blooming. Feeding your lilac plants too much nitrogen discourages bloom growth.
  
  

Climate and Growth

• Lilacs are suitable for planting in northern areas that provide the colder temperatures they need to grow and produce flowers.
  
  

Overgrowth

• Thinning and removing older stems avoids overcrowding. Prune lilacs annually to promote vigorous growth and healthy stems.
  
  

Suckers

• Sucker growth occurs freely at the base of the lilac plant, making it easy to propagate new plants to share with family and friends. Sever the suckers from the mother plant; expose the sucker roots and place in soil rich with humus and compost.