Knowledgebase
Peony diseases #239781
Asked April 27, 2015, 3:35 AM EDT
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.
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.
nd
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.
If you do submit a sample, please return to tell us what you learn about this issue.