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Monday, February 4, 2013

Fungal Leaf Spot on Hydrangeas




There are a couple different fungal species which cause a brown to copper colored leaf spotting on hydrangeas. In general, these diseases are not serious.  They may make the plant look unsightly but will not kill the plant. Like many of the diseases in rainy areas, the reality is the more the rain, the worse the disease. (This is due to the rain droplets spreading the spores from leaf to leaf and plant to plant).  Leaves that are badly affected should be removed.  A copper fungicide spray could be used to help prevent the spread. Keep in mind that after several inches of rainfall, the protective copper will wash off.