Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?

Yes, removing infected leaves helps prevent the fungus from spreading to healthy parts of the plant. Always clean your pruners with alcohol between cuts.

Will my plant recover next year?

Yes, Spirea is very resilient. As long as you clean up the fallen leaves in the autumn, the plant should grow back healthy in the spring.

Japanese meadowsweet: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look at the leaves to see if the spots are brown, black, or white.
Check if the plant is crowded by other shrubs.
Observe if the leaves stay wet for a long time after rain.

Likely causes

Leaf spot fungus
Most likely
How to tell: You will see dark, circular, or irregular spots on the leaves that might have a yellow halo. In wet weather, these spots can spread quickly across the foliage.
What to do: Remove and dispose of all infected leaves to stop the spread. Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded branches and avoid overhead watering.
Powdery mildew
Possible
How to tell: This looks like a dusting of white flour on the leaves rather than distinct spots. It often happens when nights are cool and days are humid.
What to do: Prune the plant to open up the center for better airflow. If it is bad, spray the leaves with a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your japanese meadowsweet

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

It is serious if the spots cover most of the leaves and cause them to turn yellow and fall off. A few spots here and there are common in late summer and usually do not hurt the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves to keep foliage dry. Space your plants properly to ensure good airflow between them.

Japanese meadowsweet: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your japanese meadowsweet 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?: Yes, removing infected leaves helps prevent the fungus from spreading to healthy parts of the plant. Always clean your pruners with alcohol between cuts.
Will my plant recover next year?: Yes, Spirea is very resilient. As long as you clean up the fallen leaves in the autumn, the plant should grow back healthy in the spring.

Why does my Japanese Spirea have spots on its leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your japanese meadowsweet?

Likely causes

Leaf spot fungus

Powdery mildew

Find out what's wrong with your japanese meadowsweet

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Japanese meadowsweet: spots? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Japanese meadowsweet