When powdery mildew, an infection caused by different fungi, is present on plants, the foliage appears to be covered by a white to gray powdery substance. The powder is the fungal spores, which destroy the plant tissue and cause leaf drop. Lilac shrubs are frequent hosts of powdery mildew, usually late in the summer. Even though the infection is rarely serious on the species, treating the problem improves the bush’s appearance and it keeps the disease from spreading to other plants in the garden.
Key Takeaways:
- Powdery mildew on lilac bushes is one of the most common problems of these beloved plants.
- The primary symptom in lilacs is a powder-like coating on the leaves of the bush.
- For established bushes, a mild infection of powdery mildew won’t cause permanent damage or death.
“Powdery mildew spores tend to overwinter in the dead leaves of seasons past, so instead of letting that debris simply pile up, remove it and compost or bag it.”
Read more: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/powdery-mildew-on-lilac-bushes.htm