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Lilac blight #880316

Asked August 05, 2024, 5:25 PM EDT

I have three well established lilac bushes which have, what I believe to be, lilac blight. The majority of leaves are showing some browning and some branches have completely died. Do you have any recommendations for how to help them now? Most everything I have read focuses on pruning. It seems that would effectively kill the entire bush at this point. Thank you.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Pruning won't kill the bush, and if you prune out affected branches, it will help keep the fungus from spreading.  Also remove any dropped infected leaves.  Our climate is changing and this wet weather contributes to fungal diseases.  For detailed information about this condition including recommendations about how to remedy it, see 

http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/lilacbacterialblight.pdf
https://www.startribune.com/what-s-wrong-with-the-lilacs-beloved-plants-in-minnesota-threatened-by-leaf-fungus/572649202
Diane M Replied August 06, 2024, 5:16 PM EDT

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