Do I need to use a fungicide?

Usually, you do not need chemicals. Cleaning up fallen leaves and improving airflow is almost always enough to manage the problem.

Will the spots go away?

No, the existing spots will remain on the leaves until they drop. Focus on keeping new growth clean and healthy.

Weigela: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the spots are appearing after a rainy spell.
Look at the base of the plant for fallen, spotted leaves.
Check if the plant is crowded by other shrubs.

Likely causes

Fungal Leaf Spot
Most likely
How to tell: You see brown or black spots with yellow halos on the leaves. These spots often appear during rainy or humid spring weather.
What to do: Remove and dispose of any fallen leaves around the base of the plant to stop the fungus from spreading. Improve air circulation by pruning crowded branches and avoid overhead watering.
Poor Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant is crowded by other shrubs or against a wall. The foliage stays wet for too long after rain.
What to do: Prune back surrounding plants to increase airflow. Ensure your Weigela has enough space to dry out quickly after it rains.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your weigela

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

Leaf spot is mostly an aesthetic problem. Worry only if the plant loses more than half of its leaves by midsummer.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves, and keep the area under the shrub clean of debris.

Weigela: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your weigela 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

Do I need to use a fungicide?: Usually, you do not need chemicals. Cleaning up fallen leaves and improving airflow is almost always enough to manage the problem.
Will the spots go away?: No, the existing spots will remain on the leaves until they drop. Focus on keeping new growth clean and healthy.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Spot

Why are there spots on my Old Fashioned Weigela leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your weigela?