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Peony diseases #239781

Asked April 27, 2015, 3:35 AM EDT

my peony has spots on its leaves that looks like someone pricked it with needles.  I have found no insects under the leaves at night.  The condition gets worse over time and has spread to all three of my peonies that are in pots close together. I was unsuccessful in sending my photo. If I can get your email I can send my photos directly.  

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Peony leaves with tiny spots sounds like a virus.  This article on Peony Viruses shows some examples you can use to compare.  Fungi, please see Peony Leaf  Splotch for pictures,  also produce spots, but more splotch-like, and  the stems and shoots are affected.  How  long have you had  these plants, and is the first time you have seen this problem.  You should be able to attach photos to Ask an Expert questions.  

Anne, OSU Extension Master Gardener Replied April 28, 2015, 5:34 PM EDT
I have some very good close up photos but could not find them in the files provided.

is there anyone to whom I could e-mail the photos directly?  I am so anxious to find out what this is and if there is a treatment.  I planted the bare roots of my peonies the fall before this past fall.  They bloomed beautifully but eventually developed these spot.  I was told that it is leaf spot and that it is a fungus.  I sprayed with a Triple treatment (insects, fungus and can't remember the third).  I also sprayed with a fungicide.  Nothing helped.  A week ago my peonies were very healthy looking and have 3 buds each.  I thought the problem was gone.  Alas, the spots are back and increasing as it was last year.  I would be very grateful if you could direct me to someone to whom I can send my photos.  I am willing to pay for a diagnosis if need be.
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The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2015, 10:35 PM EDT
Here are some photos of the leaves of my peony.  None of the photos I have viewed here or on the web match what is happening to my peony.  I hope my photos will come through.
The Question Asker Replied April 29, 2015, 5:20 PM EDT
Your peony leaves are very healthy looking.  I can see the tiny spots that concern you, but I don't know what the cause is.  So, I am sending your question/photos back to be answered by someone with more experience.
Anne, OSU Extension Master Gardener Replied April 29, 2015, 8:52 PM EDT
If you tap on the photos they will enlarge.  Over time, the lesions will keep increasing and affect every leaf.  Thank you for forwarding my question and photos to someone who might know what this is.  This is some kind of disease but I can't spot any tiny insect.  
The Question Asker Replied April 30, 2015, 1:02 AM EDT

As Anne has said, your peony’s leaves look very healthy. After reviewing your images, I believe the small light-colored spots on your peony leaves are not caused by insects or disease. And it's true that peonies do get several different fungus diseases but that damage is far different than is on your plant's leaves.

The answer to this problem is a bit obscure until you consider the recent weather. The damage was caused by hail that occurred during one or several of our recent storms. Thin leaves often acquire slits and tears when struck with hail. But thicker and sturdier leaves, such as those on peonies, develop only small scuffs when struck with small to moderate-sized hail. When those few surface cells die, their color lightens to white or tan as is seen in your images. (I've attached a picture of similar damage which occurred on my trillium.) Another variation of hail damage is seen when leaves are quite thick and somewhat soft, as on sedums. Then, the white areas will often be small depressions.






Thank you so much for your reply.  The spots continue to increase and spread as happened last year.  They started on the plant which is in the most protected location.  I think there is something else going on.  Is there a plant disease specialist that I could contact?   I am willing to pay for or bring samples of the leaves personally.  I do really appreciate your attention to this problem.
The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2015, 1:46 AM EDT
You can submit samples to the Oregon State University Plant Clinic for a fee. Information about the clinic, its fees, and how to submit a sample are here: http://plant-clinic.bpp.oregonstate.edu/

If you do submit a sample, please return to tell us what you learn about this issue.

I did send a sample to the lab and will send you the results as soon as I get them.  Thanks
The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2015, 12:21 AM EDT
Thanks for the update.  I look forward to knowing the final diagnosis.

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