Lilac leaves turning brown and curling up - Ask Extension
Hello,I have a reblooming lilac that was planted at the corner of my house. This particular section has had many plants that have not survived. Th...
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Lilac leaves turning brown and curling up #348014
Asked July 29, 2016, 5:09 PM EDT
Hello,
I have a reblooming lilac that was planted at the corner of my house. This particular section has had many plants that have not survived. The leaves wilt and turn brown and die. We just had a azalea that didn't make it and a carpathian bellflower that did not make it either.
I have replanted the lilac bush in a pot with fresh potting soil to see if that helps. It does not seem to be getting worse but it isn't getting any better. I don't know what could be causing these issues. Do you think it is root rot or bacterial or a fungus that is causing this?
I have a reblooming lilac that was planted at the corner of my house. This particular section has had many plants that have not survived. The leaves wilt and turn brown and die. We just had a azalea that didn't make it and a carpathian bellflower that did not make it either.
I have replanted the lilac bush in a pot with fresh potting soil to see if that helps. It does not seem to be getting worse but it isn't getting any better. I don't know what could be causing these issues. Do you think it is root rot or bacterial or a fungus that is causing this?
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hello,
I am sorry you are having issues with your lilac. First, the fact that many plants are having issues in the area that the lilac was planted makes me think that you may have a soil issue. Have you had your soil tested? You may want to do that before planting anything else in that area. Click here to find information on soil testing: http://ohioline.osu.edu/findafactsheet. Type "soil test" in the "find a fact sheet" search box.
When you replanted the lilac did you clean/rinse the roots? If not, you may have planted the issue along with your plant.
There could be several things going on. If you don't see any insects or mildew, it could be blight. You may want to take a sample to your local Extension Office for a better diagnosis. You can find your office by clicking on the link below.
Here is a link to an informative article: http://extension.psu.edu/pests/plant-diseases/all-fact-sheets/lilac-diseases
I hope this helps!
I am sorry you are having issues with your lilac. First, the fact that many plants are having issues in the area that the lilac was planted makes me think that you may have a soil issue. Have you had your soil tested? You may want to do that before planting anything else in that area. Click here to find information on soil testing: http://ohioline.osu.edu/findafactsheet. Type "soil test" in the "find a fact sheet" search box.
When you replanted the lilac did you clean/rinse the roots? If not, you may have planted the issue along with your plant.
There could be several things going on. If you don't see any insects or mildew, it could be blight. You may want to take a sample to your local Extension Office for a better diagnosis. You can find your office by clicking on the link below.
Here is a link to an informative article: http://extension.psu.edu/pests/plant-diseases/all-fact-sheets/lilac-diseases
I hope this helps!
