Can I save a plant with orange rust?

Unfortunately, no. Once a plant has orange rust, it is systemic and will continue to produce spores, so it must be removed.

Is yellowing always a sign of disease?

No, it can also be caused by poor drainage or nutrient deficiencies. Check the undersides of the leaves for spores to rule out rust first.

Blackberry: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Flip the leaves over to check for orange spores.
Check if the yellowing is affecting older or newer leaves.
Test your soil pH if you suspect a nutrient issue.

Likely causes

Orange Rust
Most likely
How to tell: The undersides of the leaves are covered in bright orange, powdery spores. This is a systemic disease that will eventually turn the whole plant yellow and stunted.
What to do: There is no cure for orange rust, so you must dig up and destroy the entire infected plant. Do not replant blackberries in that same spot for several years.
Nitrogen Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn an even, pale yellow color, including the veins. This usually happens if the soil is low in nutrients.
What to do: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Adding organic compost around the base of the plant can also help boost soil fertility.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your blackberry

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

Orange rust is a serious, incurable disease that will spread to other plants, so you must remove infected plants immediately. Yellowing due to minor nutrient issues is usually easy to fix with fertilizer.

Stopping it coming back

Buy certified disease free plants from reputable nurseries to avoid introducing rust. Keep your soil healthy with regular applications of organic matter.

Blackberry: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your blackberry 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 save a plant with orange rust?: Unfortunately, no. Once a plant has orange rust, it is systemic and will continue to produce spores, so it must be removed.
Is yellowing always a sign of disease?: No, it can also be caused by poor drainage or nutrient deficiencies. Check the undersides of the leaves for spores to rule out rust first.

Why are my blackberry leaves turning yellow?