Will these spots kill my plant?

Usually no, but it weakens the plant over time. Treat it early to keep your Hepatica healthy for next spring.

Can I wash the spots off?

You can wipe them off, but the fungus is already inside the leaf tissue. It is better to remove the infected leaves entirely.

Hepatica: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for white dust.
Check if the plant is crowded by neighboring shrubs.
Feel the soil to ensure it is not waterlogged.

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will see a white, floury coating on the surface of the leaves. It often appears during humid, stagnant weather.
What to do: Prune away the most heavily affected leaves to improve air circulation. Apply a fungicide specifically labeled for powdery mildew if the infection spreads to more than half the plant.
Poor Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant is tucked into a corner with no breeze and high humidity. This creates the perfect environment for fungal spores to settle.
What to do: Thin out nearby plants to allow air to move freely around your Hepatica. Avoid overhead watering, which keeps the foliage wet and encourages fungal growth.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your hepatica

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

It is serious if the leaves begin to curl and turn brown, as this prevents the plant from photosynthesizing. Minor spotting late in the season is normal as the plant prepares for dormancy.

Stopping it coming back

Space your plants properly to ensure good airflow and always water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves.

Hepatica: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hepatica 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 these spots kill my plant?: Usually no, but it weakens the plant over time. Treat it early to keep your Hepatica healthy for next spring.
Can I wash the spots off?: You can wipe them off, but the fungus is already inside the leaf tissue. It is better to remove the infected leaves entirely.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why does my Common Hepatica have white spots on its leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your hepatica?