Beverly Adams, ANR Program Assistant, UGA Extension Forsyth County
I have had a few residents contact me recently with issues with their camellias, azaleas, or hydrangeas. The leaves look unsightly and are turning colors and dying. The problem is camellia leaf gall, and it’s easy to take care of.
This disease is more common on sasanqua varieties of camellias than on Japanese camellia. It is caused by the fungus Exobasidium camelliae. It also can occur on azaleas and hydrangeas. The galls are most often observed during the spring flush of new growth. New shoots and leaves become enlarged, thickened, fleshy, and appear abnormal. The color of affected leaves changes from light green to nearly white or pink. Later, the galls will rupture on the bottom of the leaves and produce whiteish spores. Galls eventually harden and become brown. The good news is that plants are seldomly damaged from this disease.
To prevent and treat camelia leaf gall:
- Remove and destroy young galls before the lower leaf surfaces turn white and spores are released, or it will come back next year and be much worse.
- Practice good sanitation around plants by raking up and removing fallen leaves.
- Do not wet the leaves when watering. Gall formations favor humid, moist, shady conditions.
Chemical controls have a limited effect and must be applied before the infection occurs. Fungicides containing mancozeb and labeled for use on ornamental shrubs can help prevent or control camelia leaf gall. Follow the instructions on the label for application.
We are here to help. One of the best ways to contact us is via email, uge1117@uga.edu. If you have a plant problem please send a photo of the plant, description of when you noticed the problem, how many plants are affected and what is happening along with your contact information.