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Bloomerang Lilac - Branches dying #352074

Asked August 10, 2016, 8:12 PM EDT

Good Day,

My husband and I have a 3 year old Bloomerang Purple reblooming lilac.  Last month, we noticed that an entire branch died off very quickly. All the leaves and the flora on the branch turned brown. 

We were not sure if this was caused by a fungus or such, so we pruned the bush and cut off the dead branch.   Today, we noticed another branch died off -within a day or two.

The rest of the bush looks great, as it has been re-blooming when I dead-head.

2 main branches are now dead and we are worried about the rest of the bush. 

Can you please help us solve this mystery?

Morris County New Jersey

Expert Response

It is hard to know for sure without seeing the plant. Lilacs grow best in soils that drain well and grow best in slightly acid to alkaline soils. If your soils are acidic you may need to get it tested to see if the sight is too acidic for a lilac. A soil test can provide information on how to modify the soil to raise the pH.  To obtain a soil test see the following Rutgers University site:  https://njaes.rutgers.edu/soiltestinglab/howto.asp

Other factors that can damage a lilac are poor drainage. Areas with standing water after a rain storm may not be good for a lilac.

There are also two diseases that can kill shoots or branches.  A bacterial blight causes leaves to turn brown to black and the stem dies but dead leaves remain attached. Penn State University Extension advises to trim out dead stems, avoid overhead watering and to sterilize pruners between cuts. Phytophthora cactorum is another disease caused by a type of water mold.  This disease thrives in saturated soils.  For this disease avoid high nitrogen fertilizers and keep soils moist during stressful conditions.  See the following site to compare disease symptoms to those on your lilacs.

http://extension.psu.edu/pests/plant-diseases/all-fact-sheets/lilac-diseases

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 11, 2016, 1:56 PM EDT
Would like to add that you have a serious problem that will undoubtedly eventually consume what remains of the plant. I have no specific knowledge of your cultivar, but undoubtedly the initial response was perfect:  consider soil moisture and pH.  The other 2 lilac nemesis are: 1) not enough sun (but yours are blooming so probably not it), and 2) borers (but they typically show up in older wood, and you see holes and sawdust on the ground).  good luck from a gardener in MD





An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 12, 2016, 1:05 AM EDT
Hi Geo L. and thank you for your comments above. I checked my bloomerang lilac bush this morning and noticed that another branch is having issues - leaves are wilting, but the other branches look fine. I suspect the branch will die off like the other two . I've attached 3 photos. Can you please review and email me back with your observations of what possibly could be affecting the plant in this manner....and what should I do from here on.... With appreciation, Toni Perry
The Question Asker Replied August 23, 2016, 11:34 AM EDT
Sorry, but I'm no expert. Believe that fungus typically spreads throughout the plant, while i believe bacteria would have the pattern you describe.  Would recommend asking the store where you purchased it if they have had other reports of problems, any diagnosis, and any treatment.  good luck
An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 23, 2016, 5:08 PM EDT
Toni, I should have thought to mention that if there is any hope of saving (or even prolonging) it, it is critical to cut below the infected area so have good wood, and disinfect the blade after each cut (usually bleach is used).
An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 25, 2016, 3:04 PM EDT

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