Can I leave the spotted leaves on the plant?

It is better to remove them, as they can harbor fungal spores that spread to healthy parts of the plant.

Is this a permanent problem?

It is seasonal. If you clean up the debris in fall, you will have fewer issues next spring.

Bigleaf Hydrangea: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look at the underside of the leaves for insects or spores.
Check if your watering method is splashing water onto the foliage.
Assess if the plant is crowded by other shrubs.

Likely causes

Cercospora Leaf Spot
Most likely
How to tell: Small, purple or brown spots appear on the lower leaves, often with a gray center.
What to do: Remove and dispose of all infected leaves to stop the spread. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.
Powdery Mildew
Possible
How to tell: A white, dusty coating that looks like flour appears on the leaves and stems.
What to do: Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded branches. Apply a neem oil spray once a week until the white growth disappears.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bigleaf hydrangea

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

A few spots are common in late summer, but you should act if the spots cover more than half the leaf surface or cause premature leaf drop.

Stopping it coming back

Water only at the base of the plant and ensure there is enough space between plants for air to move freely.

Bigleaf Hydrangea: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bigleaf hydrangea 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

Can I leave the spotted leaves on the plant?: It is better to remove them, as they can harbor fungal spores that spread to healthy parts of the plant.
Is this a permanent problem?: It is seasonal. If you clean up the debris in fall, you will have fewer issues next spring.

Why are there spots on my Bigleaf Hydrangea leaves?

Check these first

Likely causes

Cercospora Leaf Spot

Powdery Mildew

Find out what's wrong with your bigleaf hydrangea

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Bigleaf Hydrangea: spots? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Bigleaf Hydrangea