leaves

Question

I just planted a lilac bush about 2 weeks ago and the leave are folding and it looks like it is not doing well, it faces north and mostly gets afternoon sun. I have no idea if I put in to much fertilizer or have watered to much, I do not think so on both, but the leaves are not looking good,do you think that it will make it, I bought it from a garden center after the blooming time.

Answer 1

All plants suffer transplant shock, a period where leaves wilt and droop. It takes a while for roots to readjust to their new location. Soil should be moist but not soggy. Either stick your finger 2 inches down or use a trowel to assess moisture level. I personally wait on fertilizing until the plant shows signs of recovery and new growth. The roots must have priority over top-growth. Dead-head the flowers if not already done. If you can rig up some shade with an old sheet or a lawn bag over your shovel, all the better. At 2 weeks, as long as weather isn’t harsh, you should be seeing your shrub recover any day now. This entire growing season, it sill need supplement water during dry periods, windy days and high heat days.