Question
QUESTION: Dear Darlene,
I have a Lylac (Purple Jasmin)in my outdoor in back yard, in California, which I love it very much. But it is about 3 years the flowers do not grow , I cut all the tree and treat it in January, but still no show of growth.
Will you please tell me how to feed or water it and what kind of fertilizer should I use to make it grow and flower as before.
Thanking you in advance
Best Regards
Rida
ANSWER: Rida,

Lilacs should be pruned right after blooming, never in January. They form the buds for next years blooms in the fall. You need to prune right after they bloom, by pruning in January you are pruning the blooms off. Do not prune them again until they bloom again. To fertilize them use Miracle Grow rose food. That will encourage blooming.  If you pruned in Jan. you will not get blooms this year. Do not prune again until they bloom then prune as soon as the flowers fade. Good luck.

Darlene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Darlene,
Thank you very much for your very kind reply.
But I have another question, I want to know when and how much and how many times should I fertilize my Lilac.
Can I use same Miracle Grow rose food to my roses in back yard? and how much and for how long?
Thanks for your time.
With Best Regards
Rita

Answer
Rida,

Yes, you can use the same food on your roses. Follow the instructions on the box for feeding roses. Do not feed it during the winter. The box will tell you the dilution and give it enough water with fertilizer mixed in to water all the soil around the lilac. Good luck.

Darlene