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Rhododendron Leaves turning white
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Posted by mimms z7 GA (My Page) on Mon, Apr 14, 08 at 20:52
| I've had my Rhododendron for about a year and I noticed the first summer that the top leaves were turning white, it also does not bloom and doesn't seem to grow much, are there any diseases that can cause white leaves? I've searched the forum but can't seem to find anything. I'm in Georgia and it gets a lot of sun so I was thinking maybe the sun damaged the leaves, but it seems to continue even after the winter...
Appreciate any help! |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Rhododendron Leaves turning white
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- Posted by jean001 z8aPortland, OR (My Page) on
Tue, Apr 15, 08 at 1:13
| Sun damage often burns the leaf surface and sometimes deeper into the leaf tissue. Over the winter, the breakdown of those dead cells continues. A white layer, which flakes off later on, develops. So, if that's the white you're talking about, it's a normal sequence. That said, it would help us if you would post a picture. Is that possible? |
RE: Rhododendron Leaves turning white
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| Leaf miners eat the chlorophyll causing the leaf to turn white and eventually brown. A grayish white, powdery coating or fuzzy white growth on upper or lower surfaces is Powdery Mildew. |
Here is a link that might be useful: How to grow rhododendrons and azaleas.
RE: Rhododendron Leaves turning white
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- Posted by jean001 z8aPortland, OR (My Page) on
Tue, Apr 15, 08 at 22:53
| It would seem that we need a picture. Is it possible? |
RE: Rhododendron Leaves turning white
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| I think you might be right on with the leaf miners, the leaves are white and then turn brown. I posted a link, there are two photos, the link I posted ends with rhodo1.jpg, there is also a rhodo2.jpg (http://www.cdesignlab.com/private/rhodo2.jpg). So if that's what it is, how do I get rid of them? I have two cats that go out back so I'd like to avoid really harsh pesticides if i can. Thanks!!! |
Here is a link that might be useful: Rhododendron Photo
RE: Rhododendron Leaves turning white
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- Posted by jean001 z8aPortland, OR (My Page) on
Wed, Apr 16, 08 at 22:45
| Not leafminers. Not a disease. But ran short of water last year, then the leaf tips dried back. The rest of the story is as I explained for sunburn, above. Over the winter, the breakdown of those dead cells continues. A white layer, which flakes off later on, develops. Both photos show just that. Especially the 2nd one, where the dead cells have fallen out. Oh yes, thanks for the pictures. Because of them, you have an accurate diagnosis rather than several guesses. |
RE: Rhododendron Leaves turning white -- more
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- Posted by jean001 z8aPortland, OR (My Page) on
Wed, Apr 16, 08 at 22:48
| Took a second look at the photos. The dead leaf tips is rootball ran short of water. but the dead spots toward the center of the leaves is a result of sunburn. |
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