I'd really like to know about lilac propagation too. How long does it take them to grow?

Lilac in general are not easy to root from cuttings and timing is critical; ideally softwood cutting should be collected before end leaves mature, treat with hormone dip (IBA talc powder or quick dip), a well drained medium and mist, mist, mist. Transpiration through the leaves will cause excess wilting, remove bottom leaves and leave a couple on top for photosynthsis. I hope this helps somewhat, softwood cuttings require a #1 rooting powder. Janet

Thanks for the advice. I only took new growth as cuttings and dipped half of the cuttings in a rooting hormone. However, I have been watering as normal, and only occassionally misting! I might try that. I also have them out of the sun because the sun is too hot even for them and stresses them more. Does anyone know how long it takes for a lilac to root? And is there a simpler method to root besides using cuttings? Has anyone been successful in ever getting a lilac to root?

on a big plant.. the easiest method is to root around the periphery of the plant.. and find shoots the the plant sent out last year .... that are already rooted and ready to go ... gently fluff the soil and trace the runner back a few inches toward the center of the mother plant .. and sever it when you find some roots .... pot and baby until fall, and them plant them out ....

the lilac actually propagates itself ... by runners [if that is the correct term for a lilac] ....

ken

I believe that you will learn that time of year is very critical. Late or maturing softwood cuttings are usually OK, but I believe you'll have better luck when the new growth has just begun to form firm woody tissue.Here in central Virginia this is mid-May. The use of o.8% Indolebutanoic acid (IBA)and a rooting medium that drains well is also a necessity. Do not allow the cuttings to wilt!!! They nornally form roots in 6-7 weeks at 70-75 degrees F.
Syringa oblata var dilatata seems to withstand the horrible heat and humidity of Virginia better than most species.
Good Luck!!!

The next thing I will try is getting actual root sprouts as mentioned above from the runners. I do not have access to this plant as much as I would like and have to go with a friend who does. So I will take the time of year into consideration. I still have three that look great. I feel like I'm doing a science fair project since I'm checking on them more than once a day. I have moved them inside where the temperature is about 75 degrees. We will experience a cold front this weekend and that would surely kill them off.

Well, it has been 5 weeks and I only have 5 lilac cuttings left out of the 20. I thought since they made it this far, they might have rooted, but no such luck. The stems have starting to turn brown on some and the leaves are falling off. I am so aggravated to get this far just to have failed!! I don't know what else to do at this point or if there is any way to save the ones I have left.