Lilacs are classic flowering shrubs that add fragrance and beauty to any garden. Their sweet floral scent and attractive blooms make them a gardener’s delight. Lilacs propagate easily by sending up new shoots called suckers from the root system. These shoots can be dug up and transplanted to start new lilac bushes in other areas of your landscape. But timing is critical when transplanting lilac shoots, so when is the optimal time to move them?
Why Transplant Lilac Shoots
Before jumping into when to transplant lilac shoots let’s first go over why you may want to transplant them in the first place. Here are some of the top reasons to transplant lilac shoots
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Start new lilac bushes for free By transplanting shoots, you can propagate lilacs at no cost.
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Expand or move your lilac beds. Transplant shoots to create new lilac plantings in other parts of your yard.
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Share plants with friends and family. Transplant shoots to pass along extras to other gardeners.
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Rejuvenate old plants. Removing some shoots can help improve the growth and flowering of the parent plant.
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Control unwanted spreading. Transplant shoots popping up where you don’t want new lilacs rather than just removing them.
So transplanting lilac shoots allows you to easily propagate new plants and control the spread of your existing lilacs. Now let’s look at when is best to move them.
When to Transplant Lilac Shoots
Spring is the optimal time for transplanting lilac shoots. The ideal spring transplanting window is:
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After bloom: Wait to dig up lilac shoots until after the parent plant is done flowering. This prevents disturbing the plant during the critical blooming period.
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Before summer heat: Transplant shoots in spring before the weather turns hot. This gives them time to establish roots before dry summer conditions.
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**Early to mid spring:**Aim for transplanting in early to mid spring. Early spring is typically March/April while mid spring is May.
So in most climates, the ideal transplanting time is roughly a 1-2 week window in May, right after spring blooms finish. This gives the lilac shoot the maximum time to develop roots before summer arrives.
Here are some more details on the best time to transplant lilac shoots:
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Northern climates: Transplant in early spring after the ground thaws, around late April/early May.
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Southern climates: Transplant in mid to late spring before it gets too hot, around March/April.
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Mild coastal climates: Transplant in late spring, around late April/May.
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Mountain regions: Transplant when snow has melted and soil is workable, around mid May.
So the exact timing differs across regions but the goal is the same – transplant after bloom before summer.
How to Transplant Lilac Shoots
When the ideal spring transplant window for your area arrives, here are some tips for successfully transplanting lilac shoots:
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Select healthy shoots that are at least 8-12 inches tall with some visible roots attached. Avoid very small or weak shoots.
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Water shoot beds 1-2 days before digging to make removal easier.
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Dig a wide area around each shoot, at least 6-12 inches from the stem.
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Keep as much root as possible intact when removing shoots from the ground.
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Transplant quickly and water shoot beds immediately after planting.
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Water frequently for the first 3 months to help establish new root systems.
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Mulch around transplants to retain moisture during summer.
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Stake if needed to support shoots in windy areas.
Follow these guidelines to give your transplanted lilac shoots the best chance of survival in their new location.
Transplanting Lilac Shrubs vs Shoots
While shoots can be transplanted in spring, transplanting entire mature lilac shrubs is best done in fall. Here’s a quick comparison:
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Shoots – Dig up lilac shoots in spring after blooming finishes.
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Shrubs – Transplant mature lilac shrubs in early fall before frost.
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Shoots – Very high success rate when transplanted in spring.
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Shrubs – Moderate success rate, with more transplant stress.
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Shoots – Easy to dig up and transplant quickly.
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Shrubs – Labor intensive to move, may need mechanical equipment.
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Shoots – Establish quicker with minimal impact to growth.
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Shrubs – May take years to fully recover from transplant shock.
So lilac shoots are much easier and less stressful to transplant than mature shrubs. Shoots also establish and grow faster after being moved.
Signs Shoots Are Ready for Transplanting
How can you tell when your lilac shoots are ready to be moved? Here are some signs that shoots are mature enough for transplanting:
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Height – Shoots are at least 8 inches or taller. Dwarf varieties may be shorter.
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Root development – Basal roots are filling out the shoot bed under the soil.
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Leaf growth – Leaves are green and healthy looking.
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Time of year – It’s peak spring after blooms are finished.
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Easily removed – Shoots come out of the ground fairly easily when gently pulled.
If shoots meet these criteria when you dig them up in spring, they are likely good candidates for successful transplanting.
Aftercare for Transplanted Shoots
After transplanting lilac shoots, follow these tips to give them the best chance at thriving:
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Water deeply 2-3 times per week for the first 3 months.
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Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around shoots.
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Stake larger shoots if needed for support.
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Prune back any broken or damaged branches.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
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Monitor for pest/disease issues and treat accordingly.
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Avoid transplanting again for at least 2-3 years.
With good aftercare, transplanted shoots should flourish in their new location in no time!
Troubleshooting Transplant Issues
Sometimes transplanted shoots struggle after being moved. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Drooping or wilting leaves: Ensure shoots are getting adequate water, or try misting leaves daily.
Few roots on shoot: Gently remove shoot and replant deeper to cover more of the stem.
No new growth: Fertilize to encourage new growth. Remove any flowers the first year.
Dieback of stems/leaves: Prune off damaged areas and destroy to prevent disease spread.
Pests/diseases: Inspect shoots regularly and take action at first signs of problems.
Shoot dies: Remove dead shoot immediately and transplant a new, healthy shoot.
With proper care, most transplanted lilac shoots will recover from transplant stress and grow vigorously. But don’t hesitate to troubleshoot at the first sign of issues.
Tips for Transplanting Success
Follow these tips to ensure your transplanted lilac shoots thrive:
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Pick young, healthy shoots – Select shoots showing robust growth and no disease/damage.
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Transplant in spring – For best results, move shoots after blooms fade in early/mid spring.
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Keep roots intact – Dig wide and deep to retain as much of the root system as possible.
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Plant at same depth – Keep shoot at same soil depth as it was originally growing.
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Water consistently – Frequent watering is key for establishment in the first 3 months.
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Provide support – Stake larger shoots to prevent wind damage.
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Mulch – Surround shoots with 2-3 inches of organic mulch to conserve moisture.
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Fertilize – Use a balanced fertilizer monthly to encourage rapid regrowth.
Follow this advice for the best chance of success when transplanting lilac shoots!
Common Questions about Transplanting Lilac Shoots
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about transplanting lilac shoots:
How long do transplanted lilac shoots take to bloom?
Transplanted shoots typically won’t bloom for 2-3 years after being moved. Focus energy on root growth, not flowers.
When can I transplant shoots that appear in summer?
It’s best to leave shoots that emerge later in summer until the following spring to transplant.
Should I prune the shoots when transplanting?
Pruning isn’t necessary but you can trim any broken or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning.
How far apart should I space transplanted shoots?
Space lilac shoots at least 2-3 feet apart to allow for future growth as they mature.
How do I care for potted shoots after purchasing?
Plant purchased potted shoots ASAP. If holding, water frequently and don’t let pots dry out.
Transplant with Success
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Nature Hills Nursery | June 22, 2015
Transplanting lilac bushes is a fairly straightforward process. It is very similar to the act of transplanting most other bushes or shrubs. Transplanting lilac bushes should always be done in the autumn months. Transplanting lilac bushes in warmer, windier weather will increase the likelihood of the root system drying out. The first step is to dig around the plant and fairly deep. The underground root structure of a lilac bush can sometimes get pretty large, and it is important not to damage any roots if possible.
Once the plant is up, remove much of the soil from around the roots. This can be done using water or lightly shaking the roots.
Once the soil has been removed, select a new location for the plant. For best results when transplanting lilac bushes, the new hole should be dug before removing the plant from its current location. This will limit the amount of time that the plant spends out of the ground. Ensure that the new location will satisfy the needs of the plant. There should be a good amount of direct sunlight each day, a minimum of six hours, and also good drainage of water. The hole should be large enough to house the entire root system freely, and not in a large clump.
Spread out the roots and add soil a little bit at a time and press firmly to remove any air pockets and reinforce the support for the plant. The crown of the lilac bush, where the roots come together, should be just an inch or so beneath the surface of the soil, as the roots need air to grow. Now, the plant must be watered gently, to ensure the roots are in contact with the soil.
When transplanting lilac bushes, there is no such thing as being too careful to the roots. Damaging roots while transplanting lilac bushes can severely decrease the chance of survival. Transplanting lilac bushes is often done for a variety of reasons. One reason is that the plant may not be thriving in its current location. This may be for several reasons, including not enough sun or soil drainage. Another reason for transplanting lilac bushes is to create a better screen for wind or unattractive sights.
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