About Viktoria Serafin Expertise I grow many new, rare and unusual things, and have an understanding of ecosystems, native plants, wildflowers and ferns. I own a small specialty nursery, and grow Hostas, as well as plants that work well with them. I have a degree in Plant Science, and decades of experience in gardening. My gardening experience is limited to
zone 6 or colder. I am not qualified to answer questions relating to
conditions south of zone 6.
You are here: Experts > Science > Botany > Wildflowers > How do I make a cutting of a Lilac Bush,and How do you and when do you prune Forsythias and Wysterias?
Wildflowers - How do I make a cutting of a Lilac Bush,and How do you and when do you prune Forsythias and Wysterias?
Expert: Viktoria Serafin - 4/11/2001
Question Dear Viktoria,How do I make a cutting of a Lilac Bush,and when and how do you prune Forsythias and Wysterias? Thank You:-).
Answer Although this does not fall in the area of Wildflowers, I will try to help you. Lilacs only root readily for about two weeks out of the year! Two weeks after the blooms fade, take 6-8" cuttings of the new growth, remove the lowest pair of leaves, dip cut ends in rooting hormone and stick in moist Vermiculite. Put the container in a large plastic bag, close it with a twist-tie and put in a shady location. You should have roots in 6-8 weeks, at which time open the plastic bag for an hour the first day and an hour longer each day for a week or so. Then pot up the cutting in a well-draining growing mix and fertilizer lightly. Keep the plant out of direct sun. You should be able to plant it out in September.
You can also cut off the suckers at the base of a lilac bush and plant them, but if your lilac was grafted, these likely will be just the common lilac rather than the hybrid.
Prune Forsythia by cutting it back by 1/3 as soon as the flowers fade. Wisteria also should be pruned after it blooms. Just remove what you don't want!
