How to grow rhododendrons - rhododendron leaf spot

Rhododendron leaf spot

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Friday, 15 March 2019 at 3:00 pm

Control rhododendron leaf spot, with the advice from our guide.

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This disease, caused by the fungus Glomerella cingulata, results in rounded spots on the leaves. Although it's unsightly, leaf spot is only a significant problem on poorly growing or unhealthy plants, which might end up dropping a substantial number of leaves.

Symptoms

A fungal attack causes an outbreak of spots on the leaves. The dark marks are often surrounded by a pinkish-purple ring.

Find it on

rhododendrons, azaleas

Organic

Promptly remove and destroy all infected leaves, both on the plant and on the ground. Don't put them on the compost heap. Also, improve the growing conditions - add a mulch of well-rotted compost, and regularly feed and water. Keep deadheading.

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