Mild, dry winter means fewer spring flowers
Pruning too soon can also be a cause for some shrubs’ unimpressive showings
Q: I have a threeyear-old lilac (that’s how long it’s been planted) in my yard. It’s not flowering yet! I see the forsythias starting in town but no lilacs. What’s going on? — W.L., Westside Albuquerque
A: Now that spring is officially here we’ll be seeing more and more trees and shrubs showing off! But I agree with you, I’m not seeing many lilac bushes pushing color yet! The more I think about it I believe one of the main causes of such a slight lilac bloom could be because we didn’t have a very wet, cold winter season. Like apples, lilacs require a consistent “chilling period” in order to perform as they are known to. So, with no “consistent” cold weather and hardly any precipitation, I’m betting the lilac bloom here in town is going to be negligible this year. The few forsythia and flowering quinces I’ve noticed blooming so far aren’t nearly as prolific, in my opinion, as years past either!
Now there could be another cause for your lilac not flowering. That would be an inappropriately timed pruning. If you cut back the lilac during the mid to late summer months, you effectively removed all of this year’s blooming capability. Remember that early spring blooming shrubs need to be pruned just after their bloom is complete. They “set” the next year’s bloom on this season’s growth.
But anyone whose read my work knows that I’ve taught that thought pattern for years so I’m hoping that’s not the case for your lilac not showing off! I truly believe that it is the lack of what I’ll call “true winter” that is the cause.
In order to get your lilac ready to bloom next year I’d suggest a mild pruning by the end of April, when the lilacs are usually finished blooming, so it’ll be encouraged to throw out lots of new growth this growing season. Then hope for a real winter this year so it’ll be ready and able to bloom next spring!
Meanwhile you’ll have a lovely shrub that wears heart shaped leaves in a good green color to help give your garden a cooler look throughout the growing season.
Q: After watching a show about hummingbirds on PBS recently I’ve decided that I’m going to try and attract them to my yard this year! I know you feed them and want to know when do you hang out your hummingbird feeders? — A.B, Albuquerque
A: Perennially, meaning year after year, I have always hung my feeder out on April 15. I like to think of it as a project of reward having paid another round of taxes and am due a treat in my life!
Now this year being so mild I would suggest you keep in contact with a retailer that specializes in the care and feeding of our winged friends. They’ll know if these flying jewels show up “early” and when it’s appropriate to start the care and feeding of them.
As our growing season advances
I do plan on listing plants that grow easily in these parts to help you attract hummingbirds and keep them visiting your gardens, so watch for that.
One thing I want to say is, once you do get a steady stream of hummingbirds to rely on your feeders, it becomes a seasonlong project that requires your commitment for the balance of the year. After all, having a bevy of these creatures bee-bopping about while you’re out Diggin’ In is so worth your effort! Have a good week!
Need tips on growing your garden? Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send your garden-related questions to Digging In, Albuquerque Journal, P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, NM 87103, or to features@ abqjournal.com.