Josee Reblooming Lilac

Yes, so far mine does fine in a container, although I don't know if it can stay in a container forever. When I got the plant, it was only about 8 inches tall, and now the tallest spike is about 2.5 feet tall, I think 3 years later. It is in a 7 gallon container and still seems happy. I was thinking I'd put it in a 15 gallon next year and then when it's about 5 feet tall, put it in the ground. I have also been able to divide the original plant into 3 with a sharp knife, and they are all 2-3 feet tall now. I hope this helps.

Mine is also growing very slowly. Might be soil, location, or any number of things but it is not a fast grower.

We have deer walk through our beds all of the time! They have never touched the lilacs! Usually, they make a run for my purple cone flowers!????

Removing the blooms will encourage re-blooming.

The first one died in the Winter in Central Michigan, Then second one (these arrive small, you know) made a beginner's attempt to bloom a week or two ago, but not very vigorous. The plant looks healthy, but it is too early to tell if it will get itself together to bloom again. I certainly was attracted to the idea of a lilac that would rebloom, so that's why I purchased a second plant after the first one died. I am on the border of USDA Zone 6 with nearby Zone 5 only a mile away, so check your Zone. Good luck. Sorry I don't have a direct answer for you. Responding from Bay City, Michigan

yes, deadheading will encourage new blooms all summer. The
amount of blooms will be less than the first spring show but will
be enough to have some flowers in the home, if you want.

I have two. Both are in direct sunlight. I will say don’t give up on them. I have two because I thought one died and moved it thinking it would not ever grow but lo and behold it is thriving. Smell amazing and beautiful purple flowers. Lots of questions from neighbors on what it is.

Mine died without sprouting anything and Stark Brothers never answered a single email about it. But I wouldn't hesitate to plant a lilac between apple trees if you happen to know the exact dimensions (diameter) your apple tree and lilac bushes will be when fully mature. I bought a lovely home with gorgeous plants and shrubs but not a single plants was spaced properly for their mature height and diameter. Its really hard to move a huge established plant because of over crowding and you may loose the very thing you wanted because of the trauma and shock. Know the expected height of your reblooming Josee and the apple tree, plus all expected circumferences and mark it out on the ground and you can figure out where each will do their best growing.

Stark Bros products are reliable. They do stand behind their products if something does not live. As for the lilac, they are about 12" tall when sent to you. They will grow. Goodluck, I have bought from Stark Bros for about 40 years.

Mine did not grow near my neighbor's black walnut tree. A beauty bush did and some viburnums, but those tree roots and walnuts are very poisonous and spread widely by the squirrels.