Finding a new disease in your garden can definitely trigger a bit of a panic. It’s even worse when it has a weird name you’ve never heard of, like “Azalea Gall”—often nicknamed “Earlob Disease” because of how it looks. It leaves behind some pretty scary-looking marks on your plants, but I have some good news: it looks way worse than it actually is! This fungus is actually pretty easy to manage once you know what to do.
What exactly is Azalea Gall?
Azalea Gall is a fungal infection that mostly targets Japanese Azaleas. It thrives in damp, humid conditions. You’ll notice leaves, stems, and shoots developing thick, fleshy swellings (called galls) that turn white or red. Eventually, these spots get covered in a powdery white coating. If you see it, the best move is to prune those affected bits off and toss them in the trash immediately.
The science behind the “Earlobes”
Scientifically known as *Exobasidium azaleae*, this fungus affects both azaleas and rhododendrons. It originated in Japan but has since made its way into gardens all over the world. While many varieties can get it, the Japanese Azalea (*Rhododendron japonicum*) is the most common target. This fungus actually grows inside the plant between the cells, causing them to divide rapidly and swell up. It’s a bit of a survivor, too—it overwinters right inside the plant buds.
How does it spread?
Azalea Gall moves from plant to plant primarily through pests like aphids, but wind and physical contact can also spread the spores. Infections usually kick off in the spring, especially when the weather is particularly wet.
How do I know if my azalea is infected?
You won’t see the fungus itself at first, but as the disease progresses, the symptoms become hard to miss:
- It mostly affects young parts of the plant.
- The undersides of leaves, stems, and flower buds develop thick, fleshy “galls.”
- These deformations can grow up to about an inch (3 cm) wide.
- The swellings start out green, then shift to white or red.
- Eventually, the leaves get covered in a white, velvety fungal coating.
If you only see a white coating without the swelling, double-check to make sure you aren’t actually dealing with powdery mildew, which is another common azalea headache.
What should I do if my azalea has it?
Don’t reach for the heavy-duty chemicals just yet! Fighting Azalea Gall doesn’t usually require sprays. All you really need to do is prune off the infected shoots and throw them straight into the household trash (don’t compost them!). The earlier you catch it, the faster your azalea will bounce back with fresh, healthy green growth. Just keep a close eye on the plant the following spring to make sure no spores managed to stick around.
Can I prevent Azalea Gall?
You can’t 100% “fungus-proof” your garden, but you can definitely make life harder for the spores. Creating the right environment and catching things early is key:
- Don’t crowd your plants; give them plenty of space for airflow.
- Focus on proper care to keep the plant’s “immune system” strong.
- Thin out the branches every fall to improve circulation.
- Starting in April, do a regular “health check” for any weird bumps.
- Remove any suspicious leaves immediately.
Pro Tip: Choose resistant varieties
If you’re planning on planting a new azalea, you might want to avoid varieties that are known to be extra sensitive to this fungus, such as ‘Brilliant’, ‘Diamant’, and ‘Muttertag’.