I only have a white lilac and not sure if the bloom time is the same as the purple, but mine bloomed as usual this year, despite the weather. I would think that if your shrub has some kind of disease it would show up on the foliage, no? You might want to prune off any dead or dying blooms as soon as you get a dry morning and hope for a better spring next year.

My lilacs seem to be blooming fine this year too despite the weather. And I have a dwarf Korean lilac called 'Palibin' that blooms a bit later --and it seems to be developing its flower buds normally...

I think prairiemoon2 is right about checking the foliage. Do the leaves on your lilacs look healthy?

Thank you for respones. It seems I am not alone. Everyone is this area had the same problem. The blooms have no scent & did not fully open because of, what we all assume, is the lack of sun.

maimie, I did notice my blossoms were not that fragrant this year, but since I moved the shrub and pruned it hard last year, I'm not sure what to blame it on. We had a little sun yesterday and now back to rain and gloom this morning. I guess we'll have to hope for a better spring next year.

My lilacs and those of my neighbors are opening as per usual and are scented, but I can't smell them from as far away as most years, probably due to the heavy damp air and lack of breeze. If you cut lilacs before they are fully open they will open the rest of the way in the vase.