Rododendron Die-Back
Rhododendron die-back is caused by several different fungi. The
disease causes wilted and dying leaves and stems. Leaves may roll-up, turn
reddish-brown, and remain attached to the plant. There are often sunken,
brownish-colored, dead areas at the base of the wilted branch. The fungi
cuts off the flow of nutrients and water on the wilted branch.
Once the branch is wilted and dying, there is no chemical that will control the disease. Prune out and destroy all wilted or cankered branches by cutting into healthy tissue a few inches below the canker.
Avoid root rot problems by planting rhododendrons only in well-drained soils. Rhododendrons should be planted so that the top of the root ball is slightly higher than the surrounding ground. This keeps water from standing around the base of the plant. Although rhododendrons require constant moisture, they will not tolerate soggy soils.
Revised: 03/10/98
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