Weirdly distorted Rhododendron leaves- galls?

Winnetka, IL

I've found this weird effect on the leaves of several 'Bixby' and 'Pleasant White' Rhodies in my garden, and would love to know if I should just grin and bear it or despair.

I don't see any sign of bugs, and I don't see anything anywhere other than leaves. Maybe 10% of each bush has leaves like this.

Thanks for your help!

Thumbnail by plantaholic186 Thumbnail by plantaholic186
Enterprise, AL(Zone 8b)

Pull them all off and destroy them. You might also want to use a fungicide. You might want to use gloves.

Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b)

I have seen that on a distant relative.

Google Arctostaphyllos leaf galls and see if that helps. Arctostaphyllos is manzanita, and is in the same plant family as Rhodys and azaleas.

Usually the damage is minor, rarely involves the whole plant, just an odd leaf or two. Pick and destroy as soon as you see them seems to be the way to deal with it.

This message was edited Jul 5, 2013 7:56 PM

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