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Curling leaves on lilac plant #758638

Asked June 27, 2021, 8:45 AM EDT

Hi. I transplanted an old lilac last year, splitting it into two bushes because it needed it. They both seemed to thrive the first year, and bloomed better than they had in many years (more sun). But last summer, the leaves on one of them started curling and it died within a month or so. This year, the second plant bloomed profusely, but in the past week it has started with the same curling leaf problem. (They are not located close to each other.) I've seen that there are brown spots on it - I've attached a photo. Is there anything I can do to save it? This is an old variety of lilac - it was here when we bought the house 35 years ago. I'd like to save it if possible, but if it's not, can I replant a new variety of lilac in the same place? Any advice you can provide would be really helpful. You've always been a big help in the past; I really appreciate your assistance.

Baltimore County Maryland

Expert Response

This may be a bacterial blight. Prune out affected growth. Review this and follow recommendations in the future: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/bacterial-blights-lilac

Bacterial blight should not kill the lilac, so it's possible that the one that died previously had simply not established well. 

Keep in mind that newly planted or transplanted plants should be watered during dry spells from spring through fall for 2 years as they get established. 

Ellen

Ellen Replied June 28, 2021, 12:30 PM EDT
Thank you very much. I will follow that advice.

Mary Lou

On 6/28/2021 12:30 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2021, 1:07 PM EDT

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