Dying lilacs - Ask Extension
Hi, my lilac bushes are slowly dying. The leaves have a weird stain and one of the branches completely dried up, I'm afraid the others will be next. W...
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Dying lilacs #212312
Asked September 13, 2014, 10:51 PM EDT
Hi, my lilac bushes are slowly dying. The leaves have a weird stain and one of the branches completely dried up, I'm afraid the others will be next. What can I do to fix this?
Some info, I live in Massachusetts, lilacs are 10yrs old, no problems before this year. I recently plated hydrangeas near the lilacs.
Thank you!
County Massachusetts
Expert Response
Hello,
The spots on the leaves are of powdery mildew. Lilac commonly becomes infected with powdery mildew, especially during times if high humidity. The lilac usually is okay, with no treatment necessary. Next year it will put out new, uninfected leaves. If the weather gets very humid once again, a new infection might happen again. A fungicide can be used as a protective measure on the new leaves next year.
As for the lilacs that are completely brown, I cannot tell what caused this, however there is a crack at the bottom the picture which could have let in borers or disease. Watch next spring to see if the presently brown lilacs produce new leaves. If there are no leaves, these will need to be cut down.
Regards,
Carol Quish
The spots on the leaves are of powdery mildew. Lilac commonly becomes infected with powdery mildew, especially during times if high humidity. The lilac usually is okay, with no treatment necessary. Next year it will put out new, uninfected leaves. If the weather gets very humid once again, a new infection might happen again. A fungicide can be used as a protective measure on the new leaves next year.
As for the lilacs that are completely brown, I cannot tell what caused this, however there is a crack at the bottom the picture which could have let in borers or disease. Watch next spring to see if the presently brown lilacs produce new leaves. If there are no leaves, these will need to be cut down.
Regards,
Carol Quish
