Fungus on 50 year old rododendum - Ask Extension
My plant has a white chunky fungus. At least that is what I think. It is growing up one of the stalks. It also has white spots growing which I ass...
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Fungus on 50 year old rododendum #889162
Asked November 01, 2024, 11:26 AM EDT
My plant has a white chunky fungus. At least that is what I think. It is growing up one of the stalks. It also has white spots growing which I assume will also form chunky fungus. Do you think it may be a mold instead? I greatly appreciate any help you can give me.
Thank you
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Your rhododendron may have scale. These are small, sucking insects that attach and burrow into portions of a plant that is declining. The smaller white areas may be eggs. Removal of the impacted areas can be done. You can also remove from branches by scraping them off. Lastly, horticulture oil can be used once your shrubs have bloomed. Below is a link with detailed information about scale.
https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1260&title=azalea-bark-scale
https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1260&title=azalea-bark-scale
