Hi,

We planted some ceanothus this past winter (I realize now that we should have planted in the fall), and have been struggling to keep them alive. I read they don't like summer water, but when I've tried tapering off the watering all their tips droop on hot days (one died and dried out), so instead I've tried to be adaptive and water when they feel dried out. However, one of the lilacs lost half its branches last week, and when I went to remove them and have a closer look, I noticed the trunk was discolored and dotted with sap/resin/something - photo below. Does anyone recognize what's happening here?

Possibly relevant: it's been under attack by black and brown aphids of various sorts. Been keeping them under control via manual removal.

- Jw