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When the leaves of the lilac bush curl up, that's definitely a warning sign. Something is wrong then. In the case of the lilac Syringa vulgaris, which is most widespread in our country, diseases and pest infestation can be largely ruled out. It is much more likely that he is not getting enough nutrients or something is wrong with the soil. When it comes to first aid, there are a few basic measures that do not always have an immediate effect.
diagnosis
A lilac bush in your own garden is one of the most popular plants ever. No wonder: it looks great and its flowers exude an almost beguiling scent. However, if its foliage rolls up over a large area, it can quickly be over with the splendor. A sheet that is rolled up does not yet have any meaningfulness. However, if the number is significantly higher, the cause must be investigated. First of all, it is important to realize what kind of lilac it is actually. Basically three groups can be distinguished:
Syringa vulgaris or the common lilac
This is by far the most common type of lilac in our gardens. It is so robust and resistant that diseases and pest infestation can be practically ruled out. If leaves roll here, it is very likely to have something to do with the nutrient supply or the soil conditions.
Syringa x, the noble lilac
The noble lilac is a special breed that is significantly more sensitive than its usual siblings. Diseases and pests are very common here. They usually show up as discoloration on the foliage and branches and not on curled leaves.
The non-blooming lilac bush
Essentially what applies to the noble lilac applies to it.
tip: The best thing to do is to make a note of which lilac bush you bought when you go shopping. This ensures clarity later and saves unnecessary measures.
causes
In the vast majority of cases, leaves that roll or are curled up have nothing to do with a disease of the plant or a pest infestation. Rather, the causes can be:
- too few nutrients
- overly compacted soil
- wrong location
- too much or too little water
By far the most common cause is a lack of nutrients. The plant simply gets too little food to develop and thrive. Fortunately, this deficiency can be remedied relatively easily.
old
From time to time it is heard that curled leaves on lilacs have something to do with their age. However, that's nonsense. Syringa vulgaris is one of the olive tree plants that can sometimes grow to be several hundred years old. Age matters only in that younger plants are more prone to foliage curling. The root cause is definitely to be found among those listed above. It can then be removed again with the measures described.
measures
The following tips are intended on the one hand as immediate measures, but on the other hand are also intended as basic care measures for the lilac bush:
1. Supply nutrients
If the lilac shows many rolled-up leaves, it is first given nutrients. It is recommended to give rose fertilizer. As an immediate measure, about 50 g should be administered regardless of the season. It is important that the soil is watered very well immediately after the fertilizer has been applied. This makes it much easier for the plant to absorb it. This is something like first aid. The fertilization must then be repeated in the coming spring with twice the amount.
notice: Ideal is the use of liquid fertilizer, which is poured directly into the irrigation water. Basically, the dosing instructions of the manufacturer must be observed.
2. Loosen the soil
If the soil in which the lilac was planted is, for whatever reason, too compacted, this can lead to the roots not being able to develop properly and stunted. As an immediate measure, the soil in the root area should be carefully but thoroughly loosened with a rake.
3. Location / cutting
Locations are subject to change. If other shrubs have been planted next to the lilac bush over time, this can lead to it depriving it of these nutrients or ensuring that it does not get enough light. In this case, either a change of location or thinning out or cutting back the neighboring plants will help. Incidentally, rhododendrons in particular are problematic in this context. They cause the soil to become more and more acidic, which in turn the lilacs cannot tolerate.
4. Avoid water shortage
If the soil in the root area of the lilac is bone-dry, then an acute lack of water is likely to be the reason for the rolled-up leaves. Of course, immediate watering helps here. The area around the trunk should always be moist throughout. However, it must not get so wet there that waterlogging can occur. It is best watered with soft rainwater.
