Peony Leaf Blotch

Beautiful peony displays are sometimes marred by several diseases with the most notorious being Peony Leaf Blotch caused by the fungus Graphiopsis chlorocephala (formerly Cladosporium paeoniae). The fungus is also responsible for producing other diseases on peonies with different common names depending on the symptoms.

I was outside strolling through the Drapescape enjoying the colors and scents of flowers, when suddenly, I noticed there appeared to be spots on the leaves of the peonies.  I just had to take a closer look, of course, being the plant diagnostic devotee that I am!   The symptoms were so classic and marvelous that I had to take a few moments to just admire them!  This disease is called a plethora of names, like peony blotch, red spot, stem spot, leaf blotch disease and finally, peony measles!  The causal fungus, Graphiopsis chlorocephala, was formerly known as ...

Garden Peonies (Paeonia spp.) have been used in Ohio landscapes for a long time. It's not unusual to find clumps of these non-natives growing where old homes once stood. However, this old group of perennial flowering plants has seen a resurgence in recent years.

When many of us think of Garden Peonies (Paeonia spp.), a grandmother's garden may come to mind. These non-natives have been around for a long time. It's not unusual to find clumps of peonies growing where old homes once stood. However, this old group of perennial flowering plants has seen a resurgence in recent years along with several diseases.

Peony leaf blotch disease is caused by the fungus Graphiopsis chlorocephala (formerly Cladosporium paeoniae). The fungus produces diseases with different names depending on the symptoms.