Holes in Rhodo leaves
 

Over the last 2 months I have noticed some significant holes in my 3 year old plant. I fed it with liquid fertiliser for Azalea, Camellia and Rhododendron about 4 weeks ago to see if this would help. What could this be ? I don't think it's slugs or weevil because of the way the leaves look burnt.

The plant is a half-shady spot next a fence so isn't exposed to the elements.

Any ideas ? Pictures attached.

Holes in Rhodo leaves
 

rayp.a0a2216.gardenbanana.uk wrote:

Over the last 2 months I have noticed some significant holes in my 3
year old plant. I fed it with liquid fertiliser for Azalea, Camellia and
Rhododendron about 4 weeks ago to see if this would help. What could
this be ? I don't think it's slugs or weevil because of the way the
leaves look burnt.

The plant is a half-shady spot next a fence so isn't exposed to the
elements.

Any ideas ? Pictures attached.
|
http://www.gardenbanter.co.uk/attach...chmentid=14923 |
http://www.gardenbanter.co.uk/attach...chmentid=14924

Looks like chemical damage... STOP IT!

Holes in Rhodo leaves
 

Brooklyn1 Gravesend1 writes:

rayp.a0a2216.gardenbanana.uk wrote:

Over the last 2 months I have noticed some significant holes in my 3
year old plant. I fed it with liquid fertiliser for Azalea, Camellia and
Rhododendron about 4 weeks ago to see if this would help. What could
this be ? I don't think it's slugs or weevil because of the way the
leaves look burnt.

The plant is a half-shady spot next a fence so isn't exposed to the
elements.

Any ideas ? Pictures attached.
|
http://www.gardenbanter.co.uk/attach...chmentid=14923 |
http://www.gardenbanter.co.uk/attach...chmentid=14924

Looks like chemical damage... STOP IT!

I was going to say it looks like an out of control smoker dropping
hot ashes.

Seriously, I have no experience with Rhododendron pests but that
looks like insects for sure.

Look UNDER the leaves. If you don't see anything in the daytime,
try again with a flashlight at night.

Google suggests it's weevils:

http://tinyurl.com/8294m49s

http://tinyurl.com/7tcfxyq

--
Dan Espen

Leaves with crescent shaped holes are the handy work of the Cranberry Rootworm, Rhadopterus picipes. It chews holes in the leaf, some of which are crescent shaped. Cranberry Rootworm, Rhadopterus picipes, are shiny and black with a greenish sheen, these beetles are about 3/16 inch long. They feed at night and hide in litter or under containers during the day. Beetles damage leaves by chewing oval-shaped holes. They are usually associated with container nursery stock in areas with dense shade. Remove ground litter and weeds from the area and reduce shade where possible. Treat late in the day and repeat once or twice weekly.