Azalea and Camellia Leaf Gall: Identification and Prevention

Swollen, disfigured leaves on azaleas and camellias signal leaf gall, a fungal disease that infects leaf buds in February. By the time you notice the powdery white spores, sprays are ineffective—the fungus has already completed its cycle.

The best defense is simple: pick off and destroy all swollen leaves before they release spores. Since the disease appears sporadically and depends heavily on spring weather, next year may bring almost no galls at all. Timely removal breaks the cycle and protects future growth.