Dear Ursala,

Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program with your question. I am not sure what you meant by “rebrhodie” leaves. Based on the rest of the text I believe that you are asking about browning and curling of rhododendron leaves. I did look up the article in the Rutland Herald from May 9, 2026. I saw that it mentioned curling of the rhododendron leaves but I did not see any mention of browning. You did not include a photo of the findings on your plant so I will provide a general discussion on browning and curling of rhododendron leaves.

Rhododendrons are extremely susceptible to winter desiccation. They have a larger leaf surface than most evergreens so there is a greater surface area for water loss. In cold temperatures the leaves will roll which reduces the surface area. The leaves will unfurl as the temperatures warm. The edges of the leaves can turn brown as a result of desiccation from winter winds. Severe winter desiccation can also cause the leaves to remain rolled. Although browning and curling of the leaves may be unsightly it is not harmful to the plant and does not require removal. In terms of pruning - you can prune dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time. Best ways to help prevent winter desiccation on your rhododendron is to ensure that the plant is watered regularly up until the ground freezes, mulch over the roots, and put up a wind barrier around the plant for the winter.

Although less common, other potential causes of brown and rolled leaves would include Botryosphaeria dieback and Phytophthora dieback. With Botryospaeria infection you would see scattered dying branches on the plant. The leaves in the dead branches are brown and rolled. The infected dead branches should be removed and destroyed. Phytophthora are fungal-like organisms that cause disease in a wide variety of plants. Findings of brown and rolled leaves can be seen with this infection.

Nutritional deficiency of iron or magnesium can also result in discoloration of the leaves and curling of the leaf margins. Soil pH is especially important for adequate absorption of nutrients for the plant. Performing a soil test will provide information on soil pH and levels of soil nutrients.

In general, rhododendrons require minimal pruning. You should remove dead, damaged and diseased material from the plant and that pruning can be done at any time. The best time to prune rhododendrons is immediately after they have finished flowering. You can prune in late winter but that will result in decreased flowering in the spring.

Azaleas and Rhododendrons: Identify and Manage Problems | University of Maryland Extension

Rhododendron Desiccation

Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab | University of Vermont Extension | The University of Vermont