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Should Lilac shrubs have next year’s buds?

Rick (zone 6b, MA)

4 years ago

Can anyone in the eastern US tell me if their lilac shrubs have next year's buds yet? I'm reading online that next year's buds are produced fairly soon after the current year's flowers are spent, but I don't see them yet and here it is a month or two after the flowers finished blooming. From where do they emerge? Thanks.

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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
All species of lilac should have flower buds set by now, even though they may not be visible. I assume you are referring to common lilac, Syringa vulgaris and its hybrids. Flower buds are set around 4-6 weeks after flowering is complete but do not become enlarged and very visible until early spring. Pruning any later than midsummer runs the risk of removing flowering potential for the coming season.

They develop at the ends of stems and branches.
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