A Common Rhododendron Leaf Spot disease

Cercospora leaf spot infect the lower leaves first.

Drought contributes to this disease.

This rhodo is obviously suffering from lack of water, too much heat, too much sun and no mulch.

​Rhododendron Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora handelii) is an unsightly common rhodo fungal disease that takes its toll if conditions are not improved to reduce infection. Lower leaves are affected first with irregular brown spots that eventually the spots turn lighter tan in the center. Some have a yellow halo and some will have tiny dark pimples inside the larger spots. Those wee dimples are the vectors that spread the infection. Rake up infected leaves when they eventually fall off and discard so they don’t reinfect.
 
A contributing factor that initiates and worsens this disease is drought. Rhododendrons have shallow roots so they dry out quickly, especially when it’s hot and dry. Accumulated drought stress over the years promotes this disease and eventually the plant will slowly decline. Water in the summer and any other time when there’s a lack of rainfall. When you do water, avoid wetting the foliage as this spreads the disease. Instead, thoroughly soak the ground past the canopy. 
 
A thick 3 inch layer of mulch is essential for rhodo health as it protects the soil from evaporation and insulates the soil from temperature extremes.
 
Avoid crowding rhodos as stagnant air also contributes to this disease. Remove neighbouring shrubs if they are just too close or thin out their stems. When planting rhododendrons, know their mature width and provide them with proper spacing to encourage good air circulation.
 
Remove infected stems that have died back to just above a set of healthy green leaves where there is no sign of infection. Prune out entire stems if they are fully infected to their base.  Don’t leave stubs: cut just above a leaf, stem, or right at a stems base. After each cut disinfect your pruners with rubbing alcohol – there’s no need to dilute or combine one part Pinesol or Lysol to 3 parts water. Place the disinfectant in a spray bottle as it makes it easier to treat the tools as you cut.  
 
With proper care, the infection should lessen. Don’t expect the damaged leaves to repair themselves and turn green. Once they are infected leaf tissues will not revert back, however new leaves should be healthy.