Rhododendron: Marginal leaf necrosis

Biology

Leaf scorch on rhododendrons is a response to stress. Symptoms include browning of tips or margins of leaves, with the damage sometimes spreading to the center of the leaf. Water stress (too much or too little), root or stem damage, high soil pH, and exposure to drying winds are some of the possible causes of leaf scorch.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Know and follow the cultural requirements for your plant, including proper irrigation and fertilization.
• Correct alkaline soil pH by adding organic matter or sulfur to make it more acidic.
• Provide adequate soil moisture by irrigation where dry soil is a problem. If boggy conditions are at fault, it may be necessary to relocate the plant or use raised beds.
• Shelter susceptible plants from drying winds, either with other plantings or by planting near structures.
• The south/southwest side of the plant is the most likely to be damaged by direct sunlight, but plantings may also be damaged by reflected sunlight.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended