Question
My lilac bush(5 Gal) was planted one yr ago.  It bloomed profusely the first time this spring.  About one month ago the very dark healthy looking leaves have started to curl.  We are in monsoon season and the soil is very wet over a foot down.  There is no insect problem with aphids or powdery mildew. Leaves are a very lush dark green with no yellowing or browm spots.  The bush is surrounded by dahlias which are blooming and very healthy.  I was told that possibly the plant is root bound and that I should use a needle nose shovel all around the plant and then water heavily.  I did this but only the very top part of the plant seemed to respond but the vast majority of the plant still has curled leaves as if it is lacking in water. No chemicals have been near this plant.  Any ideas as what this could be?  I do not want to lose this bush.  Thanks

Answer
Bonnie:
A root bound situation can be stressful.  This is best corrected at planting time.  Sometimes the root ball is cut in a few places to "open up" or loosen the tight mass of roots. If a root bound plant is planted, often it will just "sit" there with little new root growth occurring. The plant may eventually succumb, particularly during drought periods.  If you have a pretty good reason that this is the situation with your lilac, then you could try digging it up, loosening the roots and replanting.  If you do this, best to do it during the dormant season in your area.  In most places, maybe November or January.

I assume you know what powdery mildew looks like from your inquiry.  That is a common leaf disease that can cause leaf curling.

Steve