Lilac Help

10 years ago

This lilac has looked lousy ever since it bloomed in the spring. The leaves have been turning yellow/green and then dying but the top of the shrub still looks alright. It has been very dry but none of my other lilacs look bad and I have watered it deeply once every week or two. Any idea why it looks so bad?

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Bob Lem
Original Author

10 years ago

Last fall was the first time I paid attention to any of the established shrubs I had when I moved in 5 years ago and this is the first summer I actually watered them. The other ones look okay so I thought maybe something else was going on. Whoops! Live and learn...

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Comments (7)

mad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
10 years ago
What is the soil pH?
Bob Lem
Original Author
10 years ago
I have no idea. I have never had it tested. Maybe I should start there...
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Logan L Johnson
10 years ago
Still doesn't looks as bad as mine.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
10 years ago
severe drought ... high heat.. horrible summer..

they need a little water after or during such ...

but its fall ... who cares ... next years buds are there.. what do they look like???

i would put the hose on trickle ... if it runs away.. its not a trickle.. for about 4 hours ...

nothing will save the leaves there.. it will drop them early this year..

one thing for sure.. you cant kill it... so dont waste any worry on it ...

like children.. each is his own ... improper planting may be a reason this one looks worse than the rest ....

ken

ps: the hosta next to it [or what ever it is] .. is more drought stressed than it is ... you need to help these plants..with some good fall watering .... hours and hours.. so it soaks down in.. at least 6 inches ....

it is NOT a pH issue.. water your darn plants ...
Mike McGarvey
10 years ago
Yes, that area needs a good deep soaking, and has for quite some time.

Mike
ilovemytrees
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Every week or TWO? OMG! :(

I'm always shocked that humans think they're the only living creatures who need more water when they're dehydrated. Well, humans will think of their pets' needs, but when it comes to their plants' needs it's usually crickets chirping. Plants are living organisms and need water every bit as much as we do. I own 9 Lilacs and none of them look like your Lilac. I water every day it hits 80 degrees. Sometimes twice a day if it hits 90, If it's a week of temps in the 70's and no rain I'll water twice a week. Good luck. Let us know how it's doing...