Lilac bushes - Ask Extension
The leaves on my lilac bushes are turning brown and falling off. At this point the entire bushes are brown. These bushes are 50 years old and I have...
Knowledgebase
Lilac bushes #880232
Asked August 05, 2024, 11:07 AM EDT
The leaves on my lilac bushes are turning brown and falling off. At this point the entire bushes are brown. These bushes are 50 years old and I have never had any problems with them.
Stearns County Minnesota
Expert Response
It is likely Lilac Blight, which is very prevalent this season. Cut the dead stems well below the infected areas and remove them from your property. Do not compost them because you may be keeping the bacteria that causes the disease. Your lilac should grow again in the spring. Just few or no blooms next year.
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs#bacterial-leaf-spots-1156513
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/lilacbacterialblight.pdf
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs#bacterial-leaf-spots-1156513
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/lilacbacterialblight.pdf
