Tree/shrub leaves curling inward with brown edges - Ask Extension
Hello. I have attached several pictures of a tree (tall shrub?) in the back patio area of my recent purchase townhome in the Lowry area of Denver co...
Knowledgebase
Tree/shrub leaves curling inward with brown edges #634137
Asked May 11, 2020, 3:44 PM EDT
Hello. I have attached several pictures of a tree (tall shrub?) in the back patio area of my recent purchase townhome in the Lowry area of Denver county. There appear to be no bugs anywhere on the tree/branches/leaves but the new leaves are curling inward and have dark brown edges that look like they've been withered or chewed up...? One of the pictures shows the blossoms that should help ID this plant. Any ideas on what's going on with the leaves & what I should do? Thank you.
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
I believe the damage you have on your lilac is from the hard freeze in April. The lilac would have had leaf and flower buds at that time. The freezing temperatures damaged the fresh plant tissue so the edges of leaves turn brown and are distorted. The lilac blooms have been compromised for this year, but the shrub should be fine.
Thank you Merrill for your prompt response. I was wondering if this was a lilac but the flowers definitely don't look like normal. The hard freeze would explain this and the brown edges on the leaves. This lilac bush is located in a shaded portion of the patio and gets very little direct sunlight. Would that be why it's gotten so tall and spindly, trying to reach for the sun? It looks like a skinny tree.
Thanks again for your info.
J Tilden
Thanks again for your info.
J Tilden
Yes, lilacs definitely prefer full sun in order to bloom and reach full size. If it is in the shade, it may never reach its full width.
Yes, lilacs definitely prefer full sun in order to bloom and reach full size. If it is in the shade, it may never reach its full width.
