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rhubarb leaves turning orange and red July 2024 #877859

Asked July 18, 2024, 8:42 PM EDT

(East Lansing) I was given a rhubarb crown as a gift from a downsizing elderly friend. Planted it fall 2023. Early "false" spring 2024 it produced several leaves, which eventually died back when normal cold weather resumed. More leaves later which were fine except for some large holes in them. (neighborhood groundhog?) Recently some of the leaves began looking poorly and finally began turning orange and red. Very pretty but totally abnormal! There is at least one more leaf coming up, rich green.

Ingham County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Peggy, 

Sorry for the delayed response. This is a tricky one. It could be a leaf disease or possibly a crown rot. It appears from the picture that it is affecting the older leaves the worst. Is it also affecting the stems?? Go ahead and dispose of the bad leaves and stems. I would also try and give it more room without any grass or weeds surrounding it. 

Thank you for your question, Replied July 26, 2024, 12:10 AM EDT

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