What Is Azalea Leaf Gall?
Azalea leaf gall is a fungus that develops over winter in the buds of the plant and infects newly emerging leaves and flowers in the spring. The fleshy galls begin as light green to pink thickened areas on the leaves and eventually turn chalky white as the spores are produced. The wind carries spores from diseased plants to others surrounding plants. Hand pick and destroy distorted leaves when you first notice them, preferably before spores are produced. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering. Improve air circulation by selective pruning.