In the past week or so, I have received several calls and emails about azalea leaf gall.  This is sometimes a "problem" on azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Camellias that is more alarming than serious.  Typically some of the youngest leaves at the end of a stem become thickened and enlarged, "fleshy," curled, and pale.  It may become covered with a white, powdery substance.

 

Occasionally someone brings one of these into the office, and I congratulate them on "curing" the problem.  And in most cases, that is all that needs to be done.  Prune it all out, put it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it.  End of story.  Usually.  Some cultivated varieties (cultivars) are more susceptible and may have the problem on an annually recurring basis.  Still pruning is usually the best option.

 

For those who choose the fungicide approach, these treatments should be applied just before the plants begin to bloom, again at the end of the bloom period, and again about 6 weeks later.  So if you're real nervous about it and absolutely can't stand to have it happen again next year, it's a good time to buy your 2006 calendar and make a note to spray your azaleas next spring.  The rest of us will rest easy knowing that it looks a lot worse than it is.