Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves turning yellow from bottom up or throughout the plant, may progress to complete yellowing before dropping Common Causes:

• Nitrogen deficiency or nutrient imbalance in alkaline soils
• Overwatering leading to poor oxygen circulation at roots
• Natural aging of older leaves in fall

Solutions:

• Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring
• Improve drainage by adding organic matter to heavy soils
• Reduce watering frequency and check soil moisture before watering

Prevention: Maintain slightly alkaline soil pH (6.5-7.5), fertilize annually, and ensure proper drainage

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turning brown and crispy, progressing inward; leaves may curl or become brittle Common Causes:

• Drought stress or underwatering during hot weather
• Salt buildup from over-fertilization or poor water quality
• Winter desiccation from cold, dry winds

Solutions:

• Deep water weekly during dry spells, providing 1-2 inches
• Flush soil with deep watering to remove excess salts
• Apply anti-desiccant spray in late fall for winter protection

Prevention: Mulch around base to retain moisture, use slow-release fertilizers, provide windbreak in exposed locations

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves and stems appear limp and droopy despite adequate soil moisture Common Causes:

• Bacterial blight infection causing systemic wilt
• Root damage from cultivation or soil compaction
• Extreme heat stress during summer afternoons

Solutions:

• Remove infected branches and sterilize pruning tools
• Aerate compacted soil and avoid working near roots
• Provide temporary shade during extreme heat events

Prevention: Plant in well-draining soil, avoid overhead watering, maintain good air circulation

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Premature leaf drop before fall, leaves may drop while still green or after yellowing Common Causes:

• Stress from transplant shock or root disturbance
• Severe drought followed by heavy watering
• Fungal diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot

Solutions:

• Water consistently during establishment period
• Gradually rehydrate drought-stressed plants
• Apply fungicide if disease is confirmed

Prevention: Maintain consistent moisture levels, avoid disturbing established roots, ensure good air circulation

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Little to no new growth, smaller than normal leaves, poor overall vigor Common Causes:

• Poor soil conditions or extreme pH levels
• Competition from grass or aggressive perennials
• Insufficient sunlight (less than 6 hours daily)

Solutions:

• Test soil and amend pH to 6.5-7.5 range
• Create mulched bed free of competing vegetation
• Transplant to sunnier location if needed

Prevention: Choose appropriate planting site, maintain 3-4 inch mulch layer, fertilize annually

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long, weak stems with sparse foliage, poor flowering, reaching toward light Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing etiolation
• Over-fertilization with high nitrogen
• Lack of proper pruning after flowering

Solutions:

• Gradually move to brighter location or prune overhead shade
• Reduce nitrogen fertilization and switch to balanced formula
• Prune immediately after spring bloom to encourage bushiness

Prevention: Plant in full sun location, prune annually after flowering, use balanced fertilizers

Pest Problems

Lilac Borer

Identification: Clear-winged moth larvae that tunnel into stems, sawdust-like frass at entry holes Damage Signs: Wilting branches, holes in bark, branch dieback, sawdust at base Treatment:

• Prune out infested branches below damage
• Apply systemic insecticide in early spring
• Insert wire into holes to kill larvae Prevention: Keep plants healthy and vigorous, avoid mechanical damage to bark, monitor regularly

Aphids

Identification: Small, soft-bodied insects clustering on new growth and flower buds Damage Signs: Curled, distorted leaves, sticky honeydew, sooty mold growth Treatment:

• Spray off with strong water stream
• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
• Release ladybugs or lacewings for biological control Prevention: Encourage beneficial insects, avoid over-fertilization, monitor new growth regularly

Scale Insects

Identification: Small, oval, brown bumps on stems and branches, may appear waxy Damage Signs: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, branch dieback, honeydew secretion Treatment:

• Scrape off with soft brush or fingernail
• Apply horticultural oil during dormant season
• Use systemic insecticide for severe infestations Prevention: Prune out heavily infested branches, maintain plant vigor, inspect regularly

Disease Issues

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves, especially in late summer Causes: High humidity, poor air circulation, susceptible cultivars Treatment:

• Apply fungicide at first signs of infection
• Remove severely infected leaves
• Improve air circulation through pruning Prevention: Choose resistant varieties, space plants properly, avoid overhead watering

Bacterial Blight

Symptoms: Brown spots on leaves, blackened shoots, wilted young growth Causes: Pseudomonas syringae bacteria, spreads in cool, wet weather Treatment:

• Prune out infected branches 12 inches below damage
• Sterilize tools between cuts with 70% alcohol
• Apply copper-based bactericide in early spring Prevention: Avoid overhead irrigation, prune for air circulation, plant resistant cultivars

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Overall decline, yellowing leaves, soft brown roots, foul odor from soil Identification: Roots appear brown or black instead of white, may be mushy Treatment:

• Improve drainage immediately
• Remove plant and trim affected roots if possible
• Replant in well-draining soil or raised bed Prevention: Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, plant in raised beds if clay soil

Root Bound

Symptoms: Reduced flowering, stunted growth, roots circling at soil surface Identification: Roots visible at surface or drainage holes, plant lifts easily from ground Treatment:

• Not typically an issue for landscape lilacs
• For container plants, repot in larger container
• Score circling roots before planting Prevention: Plant in ground rather than containers when possible, choose appropriate site

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden wilting, leaf scorch, premature bud drop, bark splitting Causes: Late spring frosts, extreme temperature fluctuations, winter sun scald Treatment: Provide temporary shade or frost protection, water deeply during recovery Prevention: Choose cold-hardy cultivars, avoid south-facing walls, mulch for temperature moderation

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Leaf edges brown, increased spider mite activity High Humidity Symptoms: Increased fungal diseases, poor air circulation issues Solutions: Group plants together, use drip irrigation, improve air circulation Prevention: Select appropriate planting location, maintain proper spacing

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Leaf scorch, bleached foliage in extreme cases Too Little Light: Poor flowering, leggy growth, increased disease susceptibility Solutions: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates, transplant to sunnier location if too shaded Prevention: Plant in location with 6-8 hours direct sun, protect from intense afternoon sun in hot climates

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Multiple branches dying back simultaneously
• Recurring problems despite treatment attempts
• Suspected viral infections (mottled, distorted growth)

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Plant in full sun with good air circulation
• [ ] Ensure soil drains well and maintain proper pH
• [ ] Prune annually after flowering for shape and air flow
• [ ] Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
• [ ] Monitor regularly for pests and diseases
• [ ] Maintain 3-4 inch mulch layer, keeping away from trunk

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged parts, address immediate stressors, begin treatment Week 2-3: Monitor for improvement, continue treatments, maintain consistent care Month 1+: New growth should appear if recovery successful, continue preventive care

Remember: Most Lilac 'Bloomerang Dark Purple' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.