Rhododendron Leaf Scorch

Rhododendron spp. belong to the Ericaceae family and include evergreen and deciduous shrubs commonly grown for spring flowers and year-round structure, and their care and winter needs contrast with related plants-note the practical differences from azaleas when you select a planting site. Leaf scorch is a common non-infectious stress response in rhododendrons that affects leaf margins first, and it can appear in any climate from zone 3 through zone 11 depending on the species and site.

Scorch is a symptom, not a single disease: it signals that roots or leaf tissues are unable to meet transpirational demand. That breakdown can come from too little water, too much water, poor root health, high light, drying wind, or sudden freezes. Because Rhododendron roots prefer cool, moist, acidic soils, small shifts in irrigation, exposure, or soil chemistry can quickly produce marginal browning.

When you inspect a plant, document the pattern, timing, and severity: note which branches and leaves are affected, recent weather events, any irrigation changes, and nearby construction or salt/chemical exposure; those observations tell you whether the problem is environmental scorch or something else and guide practical fixes and whether you should escalate to lab testing or a pro.