Question
About 5 years ago a friend gave a cutting from his lilac that was rooted and ready to plant. Since then is has grown into a 4 foot shrub with lots and lots of leaves but there hasn't been any blossoms. There are a lot of lilac in our neighbourhood so I don't think pollination would be a problem. Is there anything I can do to get it to bloom?I'm seriously thinking about digging it up if it doesn't bloom next year.

Answer
Elaine,
Here are a few things that could be causing the problem;
Usually a lack of sunlight can be an initial problem. A minimum of six hours of sun is needed per day.

Too much nitrogen (the first number in a fertilizer) can be a problem. Often lilacs are planted in the lawn, and fertilizers used to green up lawns are too high in nitrogen. This causes beautiful green foliage but little bloom. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer around the plant and use suggested fertilizer.

Improper pruning time often is another problem. Some lilac lovers prune their plants at the wrong time. They should be pruned only when flowers are faded. Any other pruning will result in the cutting of flower buds.
I hope this helps.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen