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Azalea & Rhododendron

white leaves on rhododendron

15 years ago

I have an ancient rhododendron in my garden - it is growing under several privet trees in a neglected part of our 105 year old garden. It does bloom every Spring - lovely pale lavender blooms - delicate and not at all like the modern rhododendron blooms I have seen.

Anyway, gradually in the last few years its leaves have turned white, and it is looking very unhappy. We just took down 2 of the 4 trees that were shading it, so it is getting more light now, although still no sun. Other than giving it acid plant food, is there anything I can do to encourage healthy new growth? Will the white leaves recover? Thanks for any ideas -

Jackie

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Comments (3)

jean001a
15 years ago
In my region, we have a relatively new pest, the azalea lace bug. This very small, nearly invisible because of its translucence, true bug has piercing sucking mouth parts, works from the undersides of the leaves and can "bleach" a rhodie or azalea in less that a season. Stressed plants seem more vulnerable that others.

Here's info from Univ of CA
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7428.html

Here is a link that might be useful: azalea lace bug
jacqueline9CA
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks Jean! I will examine it for those critters.

Jackie
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rhodyman
15 years ago
Yes, the bottom of the leaves will look like bug do is on them if it is lace bug.

A lack of nitrogen will cause all parts of the leaf to turn yellowish. Azaleas don't need much nitrogen, but pale green leaves are a sign of a lack of nitrogen.

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