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Crape myrtle · Lagerstroemia indica

Why are there white spots on my Crape myrtle leaves?

Those white spots are almost certainly powdery mildew, a very common fungal issue for Crape myrtles. It thrives when nights are cool and days are humid, especially if there is poor airflow around the tree.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the leaves for a powdery white texture.
  2. Check if the tree is planted in a spot with good sunlight and airflow.
  3. Look for dark, circular spots that might indicate a different fungal infection.

Likely causes

  1. Powdery Mildew

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see a white, dusty coating on the leaves, buds, and stems. It looks like someone sprinkled flour over the plant.

    What to do: Prune out crowded branches to improve air circulation. Apply a neem oil spray or a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew every 7 to 14 days until the spots disappear.

  2. Cercospora Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: These appear as dark, angular spots on the leaves, often with a yellow halo. They usually show up later in the summer during wet weather.

    What to do: Rake up and dispose of all fallen leaves to prevent the fungus from overwintering. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage as dry as possible.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your crape myrtle

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 rarely fatal, but it can make the tree look unsightly and weaken it over time. Worry if the entire canopy is covered and the tree stops producing new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Choose mildew resistant varieties when planting, and always ensure your tree has plenty of space for air to move through the branches.

Crape myrtle: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your crape myrtle 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

Will the white spots kill my tree?
No, it is mostly a cosmetic issue. It can stress the tree if it happens every year, but it rarely kills a healthy, established Crape myrtle.
Should I wash the leaves off?
You can spray the leaves with a gentle stream of water to wash off some of the spores. Just make sure to do it in the morning so the leaves dry out quickly.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Crape myrtle

Back to the Crape myrtle 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.