Rhododendrons are magnificent shrubs that can even grow to the size of a tree. However, brown buds on the rhododendron indicate pests.
Brown buds on the rhododendron
If the rhododendrons are in the right place (partial shade is ideal, loose soil, and always use special fertilizer) and are free from vermin, then the great garden plants. But it happens again and again that the buds of the rhododendron turn brown and are covered with spores. If this is the case, then the rhododendron planthopper is probably to blame.
Cicadas bring in a fungus
The larvae of the rhododendron cicadas are deposited on the underside of the leaves and suck there, which the plant usually doesn't mind much. More dangerous are the cicadas themselves, which by laying their eggs bring in a fungus that affects the young buds. These then turn brown and are covered with black spores.
Fight Rhododendron Leafhopper
Brown buds covered in black spores must be broken out as soon as possible. In addition, you can only control the rhododendron leafhopper or larvae if you fight the leaves with pest-free. Attention: Dispose of the broken buds with the household waste and not with the compost, otherwise the spores will spread further.