Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Look for a white, powdery substance on the leaf surfaces.
- Check if the spots are dark, fuzzy, or causing the leaves to rot.
- Ensure the tree has enough space for air to move through the branches.
Likely causes
Powdery Mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: You see a white, dusty coating on the leaves and stems. It often appears during warm, humid weather.
What to do: Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded branches. Apply a fungicide labeled for cherries if the infection covers more than a small portion of the tree.
Brown Rot
PossibleHow to tell: Flowers turn brown and wither, and you may see small, fuzzy brown spots on fruit or shoots.
What to do: Remove and destroy all infected blossoms and fruit immediately to stop the spread. Keep the area around the base of the tree clean of fallen debris.
When to worry
Minor spotting is common in late summer and rarely fatal. However, if the spots lead to widespread leaf drop or blossom blight, you need to intervene to protect the tree's health.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the tree rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry. Prune annually to maintain an open canopy that allows sunlight and air to reach the center.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your weeping cherry.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I wash the white powder off?
- You can wipe it off, but the fungus is still present. It is better to use a fungicide or improve airflow to stop it from returning.
- Should I remove spotted leaves?
- Yes, picking off and disposing of infected leaves can help reduce the amount of fungus present on the tree.
More problems with Weeping Cherry
Back to the Weeping Cherry guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.