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Lilacs are dying #877828

Asked July 18, 2024, 5:31 PM EDT

I live in Lakeville. I planted my lilacs when we built the house they are now about 29-30 years old. They are all along the west side of our garage, one on the back corner of the house and two more in lower level in back. They have thrived and I have never done anything with them except enjoy the flowers in the spring. A few days ago they started to wither. They are dying FAST. The leaves have all turned brown and some are already dropped. PLEASE HELP. We have not sprayed or done anything to these areas around the lilacs

Scott County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for the pics. 

Our wet spring has caused a few problems this year. We are getting a lot of questions about possible lilac blight.

There are two kinds of blight: Bacterial blight pseudomonas syringae pv.syringae and Ascochyta blight ascochyta syringae.

I can’t say for sure what kind of blight you have but the treatment is the same. There is nothing to be done this year to treat your shrubs but clean up throughout the summer and into the fall is essential.

The effect is mostly cosmetic and will not kill your lilacs unless they suffer for several successive years.

You can send the pruned branches to your local compost. Do not compost them at home as a small home pile will not get hot enough to kill the pathogens.

https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/lilac/leavesblotches.html

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/how-recognize-treat-avoid-lilac-bacterial-blight

Deb Reierson Replied July 19, 2024, 1:45 PM EDT
Thank you for your quick response.  I really hate to watch them deteriorate but am at least hopeful you are right, and they recover next year.  

Linda Bouchier


From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, July 19, 2024 12:45 PM
To: Linda Bouchier <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Lilacs are dying (#0147746)
 

Dear Linda, here's the response to your question:

Thanks for the pics. 

Our wet spring has caused a few problems this year. We are getting a lot of questions about possible lilac blight.

There are two kinds of blight: Bacterial blight pseudomonas syringae pv.syringae and Ascochyta blight ascochyta syringae.

I can’t say for sure what kind of blight you have but the treatment is the same. There is nothing to be done this year to treat your shrubs but clean up throughout the summer and into the fall is essential.

The effect is mostly cosmetic and will not kill your lilacs unless they suffer for several successive years.

You can send the pruned branches to your local compost. Do not compost them at home as a small home pile will not get hot enough to kill the pathogens.

https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/lilac/leavesblotches.html

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/how-recognize-treat-avoid-lilac-bacterial-blight


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Deb Reierson

Tree Care Advisor

Extension Master Gardener - Hennepin County

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The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 4:39 PM EDT

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