Subject: Re: Moldy lilac
From: Severin <severin@infinet.com>
Organization: InfiNet
Date: Sun, 31 Aug 1997 17:27:47 -0400
Message-ID: <MOD$970831.19987@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$970831.13930@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
Nancy Wright wrote:
>
> Would appreciate insights into white mold suddenly covering an otherwise
> healthy four-year-old lilac bush. It's been a strange season of weather
> here in Michigan: a cold, wet spring followed by a cool, cloudy summer.
> I have five other lilac bushes; only this one on the south side of the
> house is affected.
>
> Any tips on cause, treatment, or prognosis? Many thanks.
Hi. You have whats commonly known as powdery mildew. There are plenty
of fungicides on the market to combat the problem. I would suggest
trying one and maybe some selective pruning to the affected plant . At
the base of the plant try removing some of the older branches but not to
many for this will lower your blooms for next year. The purpose of prun
ing is to allow more air and light to come through the plant .. Mildew
starts when the leaves stay damp for long periods of time and the spores
start growing on the leaves.Next year 2 weeks after blooming go into the
plant and remove 1/3 of the old wood and prune the plant to allow more
light and air into it. Don't be afraid to do this because the following
years blooms won't form for about 6 weeeks yet.
Severin.