I planted about 10 Miss Canada lilac bushes early this spring. I just bought the house and before that there were some older lilac bushes that were dying. We dug all of them out and put fresh soil and manure in. I watered the lilac bushes about every other day all summer long. I live in Boise Idaho and we have hot dry summers so I wanted to make sure they got enough water. Now it's late summer and the lilac bushes seem like they're shriveling up and dying. Leaves are hanging and curling brown. I did fertilize with bonemeal but it didn't make any difference. I'm speculating if the soil is dead and I didn't dig deep enough when I put the fresh stuff in or if I'm simply overwatering and the roots are drowning. It was a pretty big investment buying all the starters from the nursery. If anybody has any advice it would be greatly appreciated!

it rather looks like leaf scorch - are all of the plants affected equally? What kind of manure was it, and how much water did you give them each time?

Preston Lilac (Syringa 'Miss Canada') is a beautiful shrub and I agree with sooby, your plants look like they have leaf scorch/fertilizer burn: http://www.gardeningknowhow.co...

Hi @Taunibird , Sue, that the lilacs have leaf scorch. I come from the land of no lilacs, but hot dry sun. I will throw three things out there. 1-Did you make sure when you put the new lilacs in that they were not root- bound? 2-They need temporary artificial shade, put up a beach umbrella, tie old sheets to poles any thing to give them a break from the sun. 3- Lastly I would water them all continually with slow drip. Let the roots have a steady amount of moisture. When I lived up north our lilacs were on the border of the yard to marsh. At this point I do not think you are over watering. Sue is an expert and if she has any other advice it would be good to follow it. May joy find you this month!