Rhododentrons - Knowledgebase Question

Billerica, MA
Avatar for jgurney
Question by jgurney
April 16, 2001
4 of my 17 year old rhododendrons have developed red leaves, wilting and drying on the top half of the huge shrub. Is this a winter kill type thing or a disease happening. These are huge and beautiful and I just hate to lose them. I did notice some red on the leaves last summer but not enough to affect the plant. HELP!!


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Answer from NGA
April 16, 2001
Rhododendrons are subject to a number of problems, including root rot (causes wilting of leaves), fungal leaf spot (rusty red areas on sections of leaves), and winter damage (mahogany red leaves). Without seeing your rhodies, and based upon the description that the damage is on the top of the shrubs, I'd guess you're dealing with winter damage. Leaves can dry out when the ground is frozen and roots cannot supply replacement water during bright, sunny weather. The affected plant parts won't regain their health so prune them off to encourage healthy new stems and leaves.

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