French Lilac Pt I

This tree was acquired the spring of '07, after being inspired by Walter's Lilacs.

Not knowing too much about the species, I didn't dare do much to it, with the exception as you know to bareroot it and get it into a pot. The base of the buttress on this tree is 3 1/2 inches. Surviving the transplant by showing prolific growth, I deemed it safe to get rid off all unwanted branches. The tree responded and through out new buds on old wood. I allowed the tree to grow unimpeded for the remainder of the season with the exception of removing unwanted buds.


The tree today circa June 2009


Because these are prilific growers and I gained allot of confidence in the last couple of years. After the initial spring flush, this tree was cut back hard. Within weeks dormant buds started to appear and what we see here is the second flush of growth.

Outside of some directional wiring whenit starts to lignify, (lilacs growe straight up) this tree will be left alone for the remainder of the season. Next spring the process will be repeated.




This tree will likely need repotting next spring as well. During top soil refreshing, evidence showed her shoes are getting rather tight.