Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Look for gray mold on the stems or buds.
- Check if the spots have a white, powdery appearance.
- Inspect the base of the plant for poor air circulation.
Likely causes
Botrytis blight
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see brown or purple spots on leaves and a gray mold on stems or buds. It spreads quickly during cool, wet spring weather.
What to do: Remove and destroy all infected plant parts immediately. Improve air circulation by thinning out nearby plants and avoid overhead watering.
Powdery mildew
PossibleHow to tell: A white, dusty coating appears on the surface of the leaves. It usually happens in late summer when humidity is high and air flow is poor.
What to do: Prune nearby plants to increase airflow around your peonies. If it is severe, use a neem oil spray in the early morning or late evening.
Find out what's wrong with your peony
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
Small spots are common in late summer as the plant prepares for dormancy. Worry if the spots appear in spring or cause the stems to collapse.
Stopping it coming back
Clean up all dead foliage in the fall to prevent fungal spores from overwintering. Always water at the base of the plant rather than wetting the leaves.
Peony: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your peony 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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Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I cut off spotted leaves?
- Yes, it is best to remove and discard infected leaves to keep the fungus from spreading. Do not compost them.
- Will spots kill my peony?
- Usually not, but they can weaken the plant over time. Keeping the area clean and dry helps the plant stay strong.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Peony
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.