Knowledgebase

How to treat a Miss Kim lilac? #754643

Asked June 07, 2021, 7:31 PM EDT

One of my four Miss Kim lilacs is defoliated. 
The other three are fine. At first I thought maybe deer had gotten to it but none of the others was touched. Is it diseased? It appears to be getting new growth so I didn’t think I should cut it back.  What would cause this and can I fix it?

Washtenaw County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello

Thanks for your question.  

From the photos, it does look like this lilac is stressed.  Has it been getting enough water?  It looks like there may be an overhang and/or a slight slope where they are planted.  I would suggest that you thoroughly water them at their base (especially if there hasn't been any natural rain and/or they don't get the natural rain) each water.  Give the weaker lilac 10 gallons and the other lilacs 5 gallons each/week.

Since there is new growth coming, this is a good sign.  If it is drought stress, they should revive with continued watering.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2021, 11:46 AM EDT

Loading ...