Sunburn

Sunburn shows up as bleached, tan, or whitish patches on leaves, particularly affecting camellias, filberts, and rhododendrons on the south or southwest side of plants. The affected tissue remains connected to green veins, giving leaves a distinctive pattern. In Western Washington, this damage typically appears during our rare heat events when temperatures exceed 90°F combined with low soil moisture, even on plants that normally tolerate shade.

Once leaves are scorched, there's no remedy except waiting for new growth to cover the damage. The real issue is that sunburned areas invite secondary fungal infections that can complicate the picture. Prevention means understanding which cultivars are susceptible, maintaining consistent soil moisture during hot spells, and providing afternoon shade for sensitive plants. Camellias especially benefit from pruning shortly after flowering and supplemental water during dry summers.