[MomwithHope]

I should have asked what state you are in. I would think that anywhere a lilac would not want to be in a pot. For it to send out shoots it needs lots of room for new roots. It may be like many bushy shrubs, that what’s in the ground as far as root systems mirrors what’s up top.

[georgiegirl]

I'm in California. I think you are right about it being in a pot and needing to spread out. Here is a picture I just took of the poor thing: (It is held up by a branch I use as a stake)