Brown Spots in Hydrangea
Hydrangeas produce spectacular large flower heads in pink, blue, purple, or white
Hydrangea care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to brown spots in Hydrangea. Check each one as a potential cause.
Symptoms to look for in Hydrangea
Brown or purplish spots on leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo, occasionally merging into larger blotches in wet weather.
Common causes in Hydrangea
Hydrangea's need for consistently moist soil and its large, broad leaves that easily stay wet make it prone to fungal leaf spot, especially with overhead watering or poor airflow.
How to diagnose brown spots in Hydrangea
Sunburn: bleached patches facing light source. Fungal: brown spots with rings. Bacterial: water-soaked spots turning brown.
How to treat brown spots in Hydrangea
Remove and destroy affected leaves, water at the soil level rather than overhead, and apply a fungicide if spotting is spreading.
Preventing brown spots in Hydrangea
Water at the soil level rather than overhead, ensure good airflow through the shrub, and mulch to reduce soil splash onto lower leaves.