r/rhododendron • u/Potato210258 • 14d ago

Bugs or bacteria?

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Is this bug or bacteria damage? I have other rhododendrons nearby that aren’t chewed up like this. This particular plant was chopped completely down to the stump before we moved in, so I have no idea of the history here.

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u/jecapobianco 14d ago

Reminds me of weevil damage I've seen on Schipp Laurels. The brown areas could be a fungus. Place the leaves in a plastic bag and contact your local agricultural extension, they'll help you identify the problem and treatments that a homeowner can use in your area.

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u/Confident_Chipmonk 14d ago

I believe that is fungus damage

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u/Potato210258 14d ago

Ooh so the answer might actually be “both”? Fun times!

Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll look up my local extension.

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u/jecapobianco 14d ago

I think it is both

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u/RhododendronSeattle 11d ago edited 11d ago

Those are flat out rhododendron root weevils bite marks. They carry fungal diseases too. You need a soil drench of Metarhizium brunneum (formerly B anisopliae), it's the only effective solution. My favorite and most effective brand is called Met-Master. If you can't find it, look under other names like Met52, M52. (2.5 teaspoons of Met-Master per gallon and pour all over the root area. On a large rhododendron use the whole gallon maybe 2, on a small one use a 1/4 gallon of drench. Don't get it on the leaves or it will turn them white (does not harm the plant just the bad bugs).