Introduction to Rhododendron Woes: Ill-spent Youth So, when I was younger, I went through the inevitable phase of falling in love with rhododendrons, a particular folly for those who live in areas where summer temperatures do not fall below 52 degrees F.  Inevitably (after a number of tries), the rhododendrons I planted died, plain and simple. The common poppy is an exception …, Finally, I took a good photograph of blue false indigo by taking a picture of a bee for …, The red maple, Acer rubrum, is one of the great native trees of eastern North America. Shae Hazelton is a professional writer whose articles are published on various websites. (NOT the same as Sudden Oak Death.) The thing they really need to figure out is how to plant a rhododendron properly; plant a rhododendron with the goal of providing a place that prevents water sitting around roots. If it looks green or bright underneath, it’s healthy; if it looks brown, the branch is probably dead. Morning light is the only direct sunlight your plant should receive. A dead branch on a rhododendron caught my eye. My description may not suffice, so here is an excellent write-up on how to plant a rhododendron from the American Rhododendron Society. (Bonus: the method works with Oakleaf Hydrangeas as well, who also will not tolerate wet feet.). Either … Changing the soil creates a lot of stress on the plant, so do not take this step unless you believe it is the only chance of saving the rhododendron. Step 1: When to Prune. You will need to grade the inevitable mound gently away to avoid erosion problems. Rhododendrons can get root rot if they don’t have well-drained soil; putting one of these shrubs in a wet spot in the garden is always a mistake. The suggestions for cleaning out dead wood and removing crossing branches (to open up the interior) are good, too. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions listed on the insecticide label. Also, don't water too frequently in dry weather. If the soil stays in the pinched shape, it may have too much clay to create a hospitable environment for your plant. The most common type of pruning is maintenance pruning, which simply involves the removal of spent flowers and old, dead wood. Rhododendrons (including deciduous azaleas) may be attacked by several diseases, causing unsightly foliage or a lack of flowers. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Remove the dead and sickly branches and let the plants grow naturally." Rhododendrons prefer acidic soil with a pH of about 5.5. Deadheading rhododendrons is the removal of spent flowers from the bush. I didn’t steal any of the Euphorbia, but the Mariana ferns over at the Institute of Ecology were in constant …. These diseases need three things to thrive: moisture, warmth, and something else that escapes me for now. The key is the warmth part. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Clemson University: Azalea & Rhododendron Diseases, Mid City Nursery: Azaleas, Camellias, and Rhododendrons Care Guide. rhododendron. I have had it for about 7 years in a pot on my patio. Dig a big hole in the clay of the Piedmont for a rhododendron, and you’ve dug a drowning pit. Before attempting to plant, test your soil’s pH. Dead leaves will look yellow or brown, and dead branches will be crispy and snap easily. Follow these tips to prune your rhododendrons effectively. Some of the most common dangers to your rhododendron include aphids, root … i.e. A fungus called phytophthera takes hold if the roots are in overly damp conditions. “Do I need to spray my Rhodys?” one person asked me, while another wanted to know why one of his plants looked dead while another was green, full and getting geared up to flower. If the soil crumples and returns to a loose state after you pinch it, it is fine. Make sure the drainage pan is not retaining water that may be harming the roots of the rhododendron. This condition is caused by a fungus called Botryosphaeria dothidea. Unfortunately, the lovely plant is prone to disease and pests. If the soil is boggy, heavy clay or compacted, rhododendrons will not grow for long and will likely die. Just keep sick portions cut out. Continue to remove dead leaves from the site. Rhododendrons can come back from the ground even if all of the plant is cut back to the ground. Change your rhododendron's soil if you believe it retains too much water. How to Plant A Rhododendron Properly I’m gonna keep this short and simple: When planting a rhododendron, ignore almost everything you’ve learned when it comes to planting in the garden (big deep hole). Her bush does have some new leaves coming out on the dead branches about a foot from the ground. Move your rhododendron if you think it may be getting direct afternoon sunlight. The definitive answer: “It depends.” You don’t have to deadhead your rhody to get flowers. If your plant set buds, but didn’t bloom, the buds were probably frost-nipped or destroyed by cold, drying winds. It’s possible to sustain leaf damage without the branch and buds being killed. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w ----- My Rhododendron Has Dead & Yellow Leaves. Your rhododendron’s health is already fading, so you want to expose it to as little stress as possible. A thorough watering every 7 to 10 days should be adequate for established rhododendrons and azaleas during dry periods. My goals were to prune out any dead, use selective pruning to open up dense areas and stimulate new growth for a more balanced and pleasing form of individual shrubs and their big picture impact, and scout for pests. Here’s what you do: Dig a hole roughly 1/2 to 2/3 the depth of the root ball. 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