Will powdery mildew kill my burning bush?

It rarely kills a mature burning bush, but it can weaken the plant over time if left untreated. It is best to manage it early.

Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?

You can remove heavily infected leaves, but do not strip the whole plant. Focus on improving airflow instead.

Burning bush: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Rub the white spots to see if they wipe off like dust.
Check if the plant is crowded by other shrubs.
Observe if the spots are only on the lower leaves.

Likely causes

Powdery mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will notice a white, dusty coating that looks like flour on the leaves. It often starts on the upper leaf surfaces.
What to do: Prune away heavily infected branches to improve airflow. Spray the foliage with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water, or use a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew.
Water splashing
Possible
How to tell: Small, light spots appear on lower leaves after heavy rain or overhead watering. These are usually just mineral deposits or soil debris.
What to do: Water at the base of the plant instead of overhead. Mulch around the base to prevent soil from splashing onto the foliage.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your burning bush

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.

When to worry

Treat this as soon as you see it to prevent it from spreading to the whole bush. It is rarely fatal but makes the plant look unsightly.

Stopping it coming back

Plant in a location with good sun exposure and plenty of space for air to circulate around the branches.

Burning bush: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your burning bush 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will powdery mildew kill my burning bush?: It rarely kills a mature burning bush, but it can weaken the plant over time if left untreated. It is best to manage it early.
Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?: You can remove heavily infected leaves, but do not strip the whole plant. Focus on improving airflow instead.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why are there white spots on my burning bush?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your burning bush?