Managing Botrytis Blight on Peonies: Sanitation and Fall Cleanup

Peony Botrytis: Aggressive Sanitation Required

When all peonies show large brown-black spots, Botrytis blight is rampant.

Immediate Steps

• Remove and destroy all infected leaves and stems now.
• In fall, cut all stems to ground level and remove every piece of debris.

Prevention

• Space plants for air flow.
• Avoid overhead watering.
• Apply fungicide (copper or chlorothalonil) at spring emergence if history is severe.

See Virginia Tech guide for details.