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Rhododendron bud blast

Symptoms

Many rhododendrons buds fail to open although they remain on the bush. Later in spring they are covered in lots of tiny black bristly growths and the plant is usually healthy in all other respects.

Cause

A fungus thought to be spread by the rhododendron leafhopper, which lays its eggs in slits in the flower buds and so providing point of entry for the fungus.

Harm

The buds may rot on the plant, but if they don't then they can remain for two to three years.

Treatment

Remove all the infected buds so that at least the fungus spores don't spread this way too. Don't put the buds on the compost heap. Though there is no fungicide available that will treat the fungus, it is better to control the leafhoppers so it is spread is confined. From mid-July to October spray the plants with a systemic fungicide, such as Bug Clear concentrate.

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