“I’m sure Diana or others would have an opinion too.”
I agree. Get that Lilac in the ground, ASAP. Give her a fighting chance!
HOWEVER - I’m not sure all Lilacs CAN grow in CA? They need cold temps and dormancy to flower again the next year. I seem to remember that Lilacs are more of a northern thing? Are you in Northern CA? Then, maybe...
There are some species that CAN live there, but I’m not sure how we can tell which one this is?
Yes, we’re in the Northern part, in the mountains and get snow a few times a year. I have other lilacs that are vigorous and beautiful. It was just this one sad one that I wanted to give special care. It’s a California lilac (I think), my others are Persian lilacs. I think both do well in our area.
California is 1200 miles north to south and representing many many garden zones. Sunset magazine says there are 17 zones...