Will the white spots kill my plant?

Usually not, but it can make the plant look unsightly and reduce its vigor. Treat it early to keep the plant healthy.

Should I cut the whole plant back?

Only if the infection is severe. Otherwise, just remove the worst leaves to help the plant recover.

Sulphur cinquefoil: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the leaves for a white, powdery coating.
Check if the plant is crowded by other garden plants.
Feel if the leaves remain damp long after the sun comes up.

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will see a white, floury substance on the surface of the leaves. It often starts on older leaves and spreads quickly.
What to do: Prune away the most heavily infected leaves to improve airflow. Apply a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda to a gallon of water as a mild fungicide.
Poor Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant is crowded by other vegetation or sitting in a stagnant corner. The leaves stay damp for too long after watering.
What to do: Thin out nearby plants to give your cinquefoil more space. Ensure it is planted in a spot that gets a good breeze.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sulphur cinquefoil

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

If the spots cover most of the foliage, the plant will struggle to photosynthesize and may weaken significantly. Minor spots are common in late summer and usually do not kill the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Space your plants properly to allow for constant airflow and always water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry.

Sulphur cinquefoil: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sulphur cinquefoil 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 the white spots kill my plant?: Usually not, but it can make the plant look unsightly and reduce its vigor. Treat it early to keep the plant healthy.
Should I cut the whole plant back?: Only if the infection is severe. Otherwise, just remove the worst leaves to help the plant recover.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why does my Sulphur cinquefoil have white spots?