Lilac leaves are shriveling up

[DrRae]

Our dwarf lilac bush is in a container and its leaves are shriveling up.

It is kept in a semi-sunny spot on our patio and watered as soon as
the soil feels dry.

Please advise...

Thank you!

[Newt]

Hi DrRae,

Sounds like it's getting too dry and might be rootbound and need a larger pot. Lilac doesn't like to dry out.

Newt

[DrRae]

Thank you Newt - the Lilac bush is in a large pot.

We will look at the roots again to see if the roots need to be loosened
since in our haste to repot this may not have been done prior to being
repotted. Also we will keep this bush moist rather than waiting until it
becomes dry.

Your suggestions will keep us more vigilant.

Thank you again...

[Newt]

You are very welcome! You mention it's in a large pot. Sometimes when the pot is too big for the rootball there is the risk the soil will stay too wet or the rootball will dry out too much before you water. Another possibility is the surrounding soil might stay wet while the tightly bound roots dry out and you wouldn't know. A pot should be about 2" larger then the rootball.

Newt

[DrRae]

Very good points Newt, we never thought about the rootball
or for that matter it being in a container that is too big.

Thank you again for your useful information.

[Newt]

You are very welcome!

Newt