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Can you please tell me what is causing the dead spots on the leaves of my rhododendrons? Any remedies?
Knowledgebase
Spots #866472
Asked April 30, 2024, 1:13 PM EDT
Can you please tell me what is causing the dead spots on the leaves of my rhododendrons? Any remedies?
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you.
Looks like there are a couple of things going on. The main issue is that plant looks a little stressed. This is likely caused by an environmental issue. A couple of questions for you to try and get to the bottom of this: Is this facing west or southwest? Have there been any changes in the surrounding area (like a tree removed, digging, etc.). Have you fertilized lately? If so, with what? Does the shrub receive summer irrigation?
The brown fungal leaf spot is likely a secondary issue. (Stressed plants are more susceptible to diseases and insects.)
Looks like there are a couple of things going on. The main issue is that plant looks a little stressed. This is likely caused by an environmental issue. A couple of questions for you to try and get to the bottom of this: Is this facing west or southwest? Have there been any changes in the surrounding area (like a tree removed, digging, etc.). Have you fertilized lately? If so, with what? Does the shrub receive summer irrigation?
The brown fungal leaf spot is likely a secondary issue. (Stressed plants are more susceptible to diseases and insects.)
Brooke , the affected area is facing west. no changes to the surrounding area.yes I fertilize early spring with Al's slow release fertilizer and a little later with rodi fertilizer. I try to water at least once a week during the summer. Scott
Thanks for the additional information.
This could be heat/sunburn damage. We also had a cold snap that could have stressed this plant. Has anything changed in the area around this plant? Any trees or structures removed? Any construction?
Those areas of dead tissue are a secondary fungal disease. These are not the main cause of the issue but a fungus that thrives on leaves that are already stressed.
This could be heat/sunburn damage. We also had a cold snap that could have stressed this plant. Has anything changed in the area around this plant? Any trees or structures removed? Any construction?
Those areas of dead tissue are a secondary fungal disease. These are not the main cause of the issue but a fungus that thrives on leaves that are already stressed.
Hi, nothing has changed around the area, it does get the hot late afternoon sun and that is the only side that is affected . Thanks again for your help. Scott
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On May 13, 2024, at 4:43 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
