Pair of Rhodos -- one good, one not so good (droopy)

15 years ago

I am quite new to landscaping and gardening and am having a problem with one of two rhodos that were planted last year (each about 4 feet tall). One looks great and I am starting to see quite a few buds developing -- the other not so much. The leaves have not dried up and are still green, but they are quite "droopy" and I dont see very many buds developing. Any good emergency first-aid tips? I've got a bag of holly tone, but I am not sure if it is too late. Any tips would be appreciated.

Here's a photo:

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Comments (5)

luis_pr
15 years ago
Is the soil around this plant wet or dry all the time? I noticed the disturbed soil without mulch and am worrying if it is getting too much water (from the roof) when it rains. Lack of moisture can make the leaves wilt. And a fungal infection caused by too much water can rot the roots causing a similar dropping problem. How was your winter? ... "average"? unusually cold?
rhodyman
15 years ago
I agree 100% with Luis. It would help to know where you live. The symptoms of the normal cold weather reaction and abnormal death by root rot are very similar, the droopy leaves. Root rot is almost always terminal (causes death).

I also agree that the disturbed mulch next to the sick plant looks like it was caused by water standing which would surely kill most any rhododendron. There are three requirements for healthy rhododendrons, drainage, drainage, and drainage. Wet soil is the biggest no-no in raising rhododendrons.

The plant will probably die if it is root rot. Before planting in the same area fix the drainage problem. Also, plant rhododendrons in raised beds and never deeper than they were originally.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to grow rhododendrons and azaleas.
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Embothrium
15 years ago
Yes: this has root rot written all over it.
Karen Pease
15 years ago
IMHO:

Odds aren't good if it's root rot, but you can try. The key is that it's not getting water because of its diseased roots; it's dying of thirst. You need to immediately remove it from water stress. Shade it from direct sunlight; yes photosynthesis produces the sugars that the plant needs, but that's the least of your concerns now; it can survive on its reserves for long enough, and direct sunlight can rob plants of water quickly. Pruning lower branches to reduce water loss through the leaves is one approach to take; another is to bag as much of the plant as you can to raise the relative humidity (although you'll need to watch for signs of disease).

Best of luck.
houstontexas123
15 years ago
i have to say too much water.

i've lost 2 small azaleas over the past year to extremely hot and dry weather here in houston. if it was not enough water the leaves would be slightly brown and crispy.

Pair of Rhodos -- one good, one not so good (droopy)

Comments (5)

luis_pr

rhodyman

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