Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Rhododendrons are susceptible to insect and disease problems. Insect problems include aphids, borers, lacebugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips and whitefly. Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Full sun can scortch the leaves and the roots rot if soil does not drain well. A healthy plant in the right place with proper maintenance should have few problems. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.

Height:

3-8 ft.

Foliage:

Leaves alternate, simple, smooth- or toothed-margined

Flower:

Yellow, orange, red, or pink tubular flowers in a ball truss in summer; not fragrant. Fruit an elongated capsule.