Pennsylvania Ag Dept. Urges Residents to Check Rhododendron for Disease

This spring, Pennsylvania was among 28 states where retailers received rhododendrons which may have been exposed to a plant pathogen called Phytophthora ramorum.

The pathogen causes infectious disease in popular Pennsylvania plants and shrubs including rhododendron, mountain laurel, lilac, viburnum and pieris.

Anyone who has recently purchased a rhododendron should monitor the plant for signs of disease, including leaf spots and shoot dieback. Other rhododendron problems may mimic the disease, but a lab test can confirm.

If you suspect your plant may have the disease, contact your county’s Pen...