Hi there! Previously moved into a new home that has a rhododendron bush out front that didn't produce any flowers last year. This year it isn't either & I've noticed a almost mildew looking substance on the leaves. I'm not quite sure if the bush is sick or what's going on if anybody could shin some light on the issue. Thanks!
Rhododendron troubles
- Thread starter Christy
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Welcome to the forum Christy 
Your rhododendron certainly doesn't look healthy, I'd agree that it looks like something fungal. How much of the plant it affected? I would have thought your best bet would be to remove all affected growth, being careful not to contaminate the rest of the plant.
Your rhododendron certainly doesn't look healthy, I'd agree that it looks like something fungal. How much of the plant it affected? I would have thought your best bet would be to remove all affected growth, being careful not to contaminate the rest of the plant.
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Welcome Christy, whereabouts in the US are you? Knowing your location will help with diagnosis. If you have a good nursery close by you could take in some leaves and see what they think. Looks a bit like powdery mildew or some sort of fungus, l agree. Neem oil is a fairly effective non-toxic pesticide and fungicide. How does the soil look? If there's any powdery white stuff in or on the soil, I'd treat that as well and then mulch.
And no frequent watering - like if your rhododendron is within the boundary of a sprinkler system that's not good for it. Rhododendrons are common around here, mine never needs watering...the rain we get is sufficient.
And no frequent watering - like if your rhododendron is within the boundary of a sprinkler system that's not good for it. Rhododendrons are common around here, mine never needs watering...the rain we get is sufficient.
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To me it looks like either powdery mildew or cottony scale or both.
Welcome to the forum Christy
Unfortunately I think it's too late for that. The plant is a decent size and all the leaves have been affected. I'm located in Washington State. I looked up what Chuck suggested it may be & it looks like powdery mildew is common up here for Rhodies. I'll take a sample to a local nursery to see if there's any hope for the plant!
