Lilac Buds Wilting, Gray Bark Spots: Multiple Pests and Diseases

Potential Problems

• Lilac borer: Wilting shoots, especially on drought-stressed plants.
• Leaf miner: Tunnels in leaves, skeletonization.
• Scale: Gray bumps on lower stems.
• Bacterial blight: Black stripes on shoots, leaf spots, flower wilt (worse on white varieties).
• Phytophthora blight: Black leaves, brown stem lesions.
• Powdery mildew: White powder on leaves.
• Verticillium wilt: Sudden wilting, branch death.
• Crown gall: Warty galls at soil line.

General Care

• Water during drought, fertilize moderately.
• Prune for airflow, remove diseased wood.
• Avoid excess nitrogen.

Accurate ID (lab sample) guides specific treatment.