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Viper's bugloss · Echium vulgare

Why are there white spots on my Viper's bugloss?

Those white spots are likely powdery mildew, a common fungal issue. It happens when the air around your plant is too still or humid.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Check the undersides of the leaves for signs of fungal growth.
  2. Look at the spacing between your plants to see if they are too crowded.
  3. Feel the soil to ensure it is not staying soggy.

Likely causes

  1. Poor air circulation

    Most likely

    How to tell: A dusty white coating appears on the leaves, starting with the lower ones.

    What to do: Thin out nearby plants to allow better airflow. You can also prune away the most heavily affected leaves to stop the spread.

  2. High humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The white patches grow rapidly during damp or rainy weather.

    What to do: Water only at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. Avoid overhead watering in the evening.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your viper's bugloss

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

It is serious if the white spots cover most of the foliage and the plant begins to wilt. Minor spots are common in late summer.

Stopping it coming back

Give your plants plenty of space and ensure they are in a sunny, breezy location.

Viper's bugloss: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your viper's bugloss and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Should I use a fungicide?
It is usually not necessary. Improving airflow and removing infected leaves is usually enough.
Will the white spots kill my plant?
Rarely, but it can weaken the plant and make it look unsightly. It is best to treat it early.

More problems with Viper's bugloss

Back to the Viper's bugloss guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.