Knowledgebase

Spots on blueberry bush leaves #927886

Asked April 08, 2026, 11:48 PM EDT

We have a row of established (~15 year-old) blueberry bushes. Several have some leaves with dark spots (please see photos). Please let us know if you can give a pest diagnosis and management / treatment recommendations.

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Blueberry leaf spots are often a fungal issue, and chemical treatments are not recommended unless a high portion of the plant is involved. Looking at the photo, it appears only lower branches have spotted leaves. Is this correct? An option is to prune away branches heavily infected, and prune the whole plant for good air circulation. Also limit nearby plants as a way to promote good air flow. This handout from Clackamas Master Gardeners suggests 4 feet. Sanitation around the plant is important, to reduce spores reinfecting the bush.
OSU publishes this longer article about how blueberries grow, which you may find helpful. Clackamas Master Gardeners offer this video on pruning blueberries.
Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied April 09, 2026, 11:02 PM EDT

Loading ...