What was wrong with my lilacs? - Ask Extension
Hello,
I have (had) 3 lilacs at the house I moved in 3 years ago, and they've looked increasingly rough. They're in full sun but do have some encro...
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What was wrong with my lilacs? #875943
Asked July 04, 2024, 3:19 PM EDT
Hello,
I have (had) 3 lilacs at the house I moved in 3 years ago, and they've looked increasingly rough. They're in full sun but do have some encroachment from the neighbors' overly aggressive English Ivy (ugh!). Only 2 of them came back this year, and half of the shrubs didn't get leaves at all. At least one of them has a decent chunk of it that is still green, but the back half of it is completely without leaves and dead. See photos. Any idea what's wrong with them and if there's a way I can salvage them for next year? I'd love to move them to a different location.
Hamilton County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Laura! How frustrating! I have a couple questions:
Do you notice any small holes in the stems? Anything like "sawdust" around holes if they're present?
When it rains, do you have standing water in your yard near the lilacs?
When is the last time you pruned the lilacs?
There are several problems that can happen with lilacs. I can narrow down the possibilities based on your answers.
Do you notice any small holes in the stems? Anything like "sawdust" around holes if they're present?
When it rains, do you have standing water in your yard near the lilacs?
When is the last time you pruned the lilacs?
There are several problems that can happen with lilacs. I can narrow down the possibilities based on your answers.