Why My Plants Won’t Bloom (Iris, Peonies, Lilacs, Wisteria, Rose of Sharon, Spring Bulbs - daffodils) It seems like these plants get more questions about why they “don’t” flower, than any others!  So, here are a few of the “excuses” we have collected as to why your plants may not be flowering.

Lilacs - Late spring freeze / Severe winter temperatures / Lack of sunlight (1/2 day or more) / Pruning too late in the season (prune within 2-3 weeks after flowers are finished blooming) / Insect or disease stressed plant (scale - borers - powdery mildew) / Too much old wood and not enough newer - younger growth / Over feeding of nitrogen / Immature plant / Transplant shock / Summer drought (also too wet) / Keep soil pH slightly alkaline / Common old fashioned lilacs are known for inconsistent blooming.

Wisteria - Late spring freeze / Grown from seed, may take 8-10 years or more before it flowers (look for grafted or named selections which are grown for earlier - consistent flowering) / Over fed with nitrogen (do not feed wisteria unless using high P & K fertilizer) / Lack of sun (needs ½ day or more) / Improper pruning (usually flower better with regular pruning - heavy winter or spring pruning removes buds - encourages vegetative growth) / Summer drought.