New lilac bush may need a year to recover

Q. I bought a new lilac bush last year. I planted it next to an existing lilac bush. It was in bloom last year when I bought it.This year it had no blooms, but looks very healthy otherwise. What could be wrong? A. It was probably in bloom last year when you bought it because it was transported from a warm climate or greenhouse where it was forced to bloom. All plants must be physiologically mature before they are capable of blooming. During the juvenile stage of growth, plants are strictly vegetative and do not bloom. Most lilacs need three years to grow and develop, before they produce their first blooms. The bush could also be suffering from transplant shock. If you transplanted your lilac bush since the last blooming period, they sometimes will miss a year, as they need time to recover. In addition, lilacs prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Without enough sunlight, the plant often will not bloom.bull; Provided by Mary Boldan and Donna Siemro, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Send questions to Ask a Master Gardener, c/o Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 298-3502 or via e-mail to cookcountymg@sbcglobal.net.