Lilac Bush Problem?

Question

I`ve just noticed this about a week ago but the lilac bush in our yard has some kind of white substance on it (sorta like moss or cobwebs?). It isn`t on any of the other bushes or plants near it so I was wondering I should spray some bug spray on it (wouldn`t that hurt the lilac as well?) or is it some kind of virus or mold?)

Answer 1

Souinds like somekind of fungus. It may be the mulch? try a table spoon of bleach in a pint of water and spray this on a slect spot or 2 and watch it for 2 or 3 days. If it disappears its a fungus and go on and spray the whole plant. If it comes back well tackel that when it happens.

Answer 2

I think what you have is powdery mildew. Usually this doesn't cause serious damage to the plant other than giving it an unsightly look. The most effective thing against powdery mildew I know of is Neem oil. You can find it in Home Depot and Lowes. Since it is an effective fungicide as well as insecticide, it should help even if your problem is not powdery mildew.

Answer 3

I agree with the powdery mildew answer.  It's not a big deal, actually.  My lilac gets it every year about this time.  Better air circulation and keeping moisture off  the leaves would probably keep the powdery mildew at bay, but it's not enough of a problem to do anything about it.

Answer 4

It is an aphid. Treatable with a suitable wash of diluted washing up liquid. Or if you prefer, a spray bought from the local garden centre.