Learn how to propagate lilacs from shoots and suckers, found at the base of mature lilac plants, and multiply the lilacs in your landscape.

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Propagating lilacs from shoots taken from lilac roots, is a fast and easy way to grow new lilac plants.

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Root shoots are also known as suckers, and are commonly found at the base of the lilac plant.

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Propagating lilacs from shoots and suckers is one of the easiest and most successful ways to propagate lilacs.

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This propagation method is also one of the quickest ways to get lilac bushes to flowering size.

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The most difficult part of this project is severing the sucker from the root, where it is attached to the main lilac shrub.

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A lilac will generally start to sucker when mature. The suckering process allows the plant to renew itself by growing new shoots from the base and the sides of the plant.

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These shoots or suckers can safely be removed from the plant. If dug up with roots attached, they can be replanted elsewhere.

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Tools You Will Need For Propagation: -A sharp and clean shovel -A pot or container to place the clump of roots -Soil to pot up the new plants -A hori hori knife

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First locate a lilac sucker which will be able to be dug and separated from the lilac bush.

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Dig a circle around the shoot with a shovel, approximately six inches to a foot away from the stem. Sever the sucker from the main root with the sharp shovel blade.

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Once freed from the main plant, remove the shoot from the hole. Ensure that you have roots attached to the base of the plant.

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Once you have the clump dug, you will be able to use a smaller tool, such as a hori hori knife, to separate and cut the smaller suckers away from the clump.

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Each stem will be able to be divided from the clump and grown on as an individual plant. Make sure that each lilac shoot has roots attached for planting.

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Place the newly cut plant into a container filled with potting mix, covering up any roots that are exposed. Water in well.

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Provide your new lilac plant with some extra care at this time, by caring for it in the container until it recovers from the stress of separation, from the parent plant.

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Plant into the garden once the shoots recover. It will generally take about three to five years for the new lilac shoots to bloom.

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For more information, see the tutorial!