Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?

Remove the worst ones, but do not strip the plant bare. Focus on improving airflow and keeping the foliage dry.

Is this disease contagious to other plants?

Yes, fungal spores can travel through wind or water splashes. Keep infected plants away from healthy ones if possible.

Japanese Mock Orange: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the leaves stay wet for long periods.
Look for signs of overcrowding in the center of the shrub.
Examine the spots to see if they are spreading.

Likely causes

Fungal Leaf Spot
Most likely
How to tell: You will notice dark, circular, or irregular spots on the leaves that may have a yellow halo. These spots often appear after long periods of wet weather.
What to do: Prune away and destroy the most heavily infected leaves to stop the spread. Apply a copper-based fungicide according to the label instructions during the early spring.
Poor Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: The center of the plant stays damp for too long, and foliage looks dull or begins to drop. This creates the perfect environment for fungus to grow.
What to do: Thin out the interior branches of the shrub to allow better airflow. Avoid overhead watering, and instead water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your japanese mock orange

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 normal after a rainy season, but if the spots are spreading rapidly or causing significant leaf drop, you need to treat it. Remove fallen leaves from the ground to prevent spores from overwintering.

Stopping it coming back

Water only at the base of the plant and ensure it has enough space from other shrubs. Prune annually to keep the center open to light and air.

Japanese Mock Orange: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your japanese mock orange 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

Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?: Remove the worst ones, but do not strip the plant bare. Focus on improving airflow and keeping the foliage dry.
Is this disease contagious to other plants?: Yes, fungal spores can travel through wind or water splashes. Keep infected plants away from healthy ones if possible.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Spot

What are these dark spots on my Japanese Mock Orange leaves?