skip to main content

Azalea & Rhododendron

Rhodie looks burnt - how do I save this?

17 years ago

Last spring I planted my first rhodie - a large Cat. Boursault Rhodie - in partial sun (a couple hours in morning, a couple in evening), just like the tag said. In the fall, it didn't lose its leaves, which I thought odd.

Now it looks lifeless and some of the branches and leaves look burnt. All of the branches are still flexible a bit, it still has some buds, and the side getting the least sun looks great.

How would I determine if this is still a viable bush? Should I move it into more shade? Trim off the burnt looking branches?

Any help would be appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

morz8 - Washington Coast
17 years ago
Rhododendron catawbiense Boursault is supposed to be evergreen, may take on a slight purplish hue to the foliage in winter.

It sounds like your shrub suffered some winter damage, it may have needed some protection its first winter. Or could be in a site where dessicated by drying winter winds -- two hours morning and late day sun should not be too much for catawbiense.

Do a scratch test with your fingernail and see if there is life under the bark. Remove (sharp pruners) anything clearly dead or damaged so those leaves/stems don't offer a foothold for secondary disease or insects.
rhodyman
17 years ago
Count your blessings that it didn't loose it's leaves. It is an evergreen.

Also, count your blessings that it is still dormant. It should not be pushing until mid May.

It is what is called an iron clad. They are very tough plants. However, for many of us, this past winter they took a beating with the very unusual winters some of us had with warm weather followed by late freezes. They have what is more typical of drought damage but in this case was caused by the warm weather followed by late freezes. It causes Botryosphaeria dothidea which causes leaves to turn dull green and then brown and roll and droop. Cankers form on branches which may girdle the branch. This is the most common disease of rhododendron in the landscape. A typical symptom of this fungal disease is scattered dying branches on an otherwise healthy plant. Leaves on infected stems turn brown, then droop and roll inward. These leaves often lay flat against the stem and will remain attached. The pathogen can infect all ages of stem tissue through wounds, pruning cuts, and leaf scars. Heat, drought stress, and winter injury can increase disease incidence. Cankers on branches can gradually grow through the wood until the stem becomes girdled. Diseased wood is reddish brown in appearance. Discolored wood viewed in longitudinal cross section often forms a wedge that points toward the center of the stem, and the pith may be darker brown than the surrounding wood. Sanitation and applying a fungicide such as metalaxyl (Subdue) after pruning my provide some control. Plants should be grown in partial shade, with mulch and kept well watered during dry periods. All dying branches should be promptly pruned out in dry weather and all discolored wood should be removed. Plants should also be protected from rough treatment during maintenance activities to prevent unnecessary wounds.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rhododendron and Azalea Troubleshooting
Related Discussions
How is your Cherry Cheesecake Rhodie doing?
Q
Comments (5)
It is relatively new, so the jury is still out. When Charmant came out everyone wanted it because of its gorgeous flower. But most became disappointed with it as the plant became tall and gangly. There was immediate interest in Cherry Cheesecake since it seemed to address this problem. However, your report suggests that it may have some issues. Can you describe your location, such as drainage and sun/shade. It is a tetraploid version of Hachmann's Charmant. Hachmann's plants in Germany are usually grafted and aren't known for doing well on their own roots which is the way we usually raise them in the US. Briggs in WA introduced it and I notice that Rarefind Nursery in NJ is selling it. It is a little smaller plant than Mrs. Furnival. It is reported to need at least partial shade, especially afternoon shade. Fertilizer and water can be problems. Liquid chemical fertilizers like Miracid are the worst. Most rhododendrons don't need much fertilizer. If fertilized at all, I recommend using something like HollyTone with organic nitrogen and only once a year at bloom time at half the rate on the package. They should only be watered when they are getting a little dry. Dry is much better than wet.
...See More
A pleasant surprise--now how do I encourage my rhodies to bloom?
Q
Comments (6)
diygardener, reasons for failure to bloom are too much shade, overfertilization which can lead to formation of foliage in place of flowering, pruning too late in the season thus removing the flower buds, drought in summer when they would be setting buds for the following year. And, failure to deadhead which can lead to heavy flowering every other year. So, from your description, I'm trying to picture their site in front of your bays....Are they in heavy shade? Is there something about the placement near the construction of your house that shelters them from rains, making the site dry? (I had a rhododendron here in a corner location next to my front porch that actually stayed dry in winter...very hard condition to create in coastal washington.) Brown leaf edges usually indicates lack of water rather than winter injury...have you paid more attention to water with that bed with the addition of your perennials?
...See More
How do I save my succulent?
Q
Comments (3)
Have to emphasise the good drainage and not excessive watering. Water it only when the pot feels quite light, then water well, allow to drain thoroughly, and allow to dry out. Good advice also, in raising the level of the root-ball, until it's virtually level with the pot rim, then topping with a layer of coarse grit/gravel, to keep the water from crowding the stem of the plant, which may lead to stem rot.
...See More
Saving/preserving food, how I've changed what I do...
Q
Comments (15)
I'm still learning and trying new things but there are definitely things I wouldn't can again and did in the first place because I thought I would use them. I'm going to stick to plain tomatoes, stewed tomatoes (which I love and can't keep on the shelf), green beans, deer meat, Annie's salsa, pickled beets, pickled onions, various jams, kraut, relish, and a few pickles. I like my corn frozen and prefer refrigerator pickles. I like apples and peaches dehydrated, plus canned sauce. I dehydrated various odd things last year and they are still in my freezer. I also forget they were there. My few attempts at canned tomato sauce didn't turn out that great for all the work involved. I may have over-cooked it before processing but I have no desire to try it again when I can blender a can of toms for the sauce. I've already harvested my garlic and it is curing now. Plan to keep some for fresh and roast the rest with olive oil and freeze in cubes. It is very handy that way! I may try to dehydrate some kale chips, I have lots of kale and can't seem to use it up quickly enough. I still want to try some new things, though!
...See More

Related Stories

TILE Top Tile Trends From the Coverings 2013 Show — the Wood Look

By Becky Harris

Get the beauty of wood while waving off potential splinters, rotting and long searches, thanks to eye-fooling ceramic and porcelain tiles

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS 7 Low-Maintenance Countertops for Your Dream Kitchen

By Christine Tusher

Fingerprints, stains, resealing requirements ... who needs ’em? These countertop materials look great with little effort

WORKING WITH AN ARCHITECT Who Needs 3D Design? 5 Reasons You Do

By Dylan Chappell Architects

Whether you're remodeling or building new, 3D renderings can help you save money and get exactly what you want on your home project

WORKING WITH PROS Your Guide to a Smooth-Running Construction Project

By Incite Design

Find out how to save time, money and your sanity when building new or remodeling

LIVING ROOMS Readers' Choice: The 10 Most Popular Living Rooms of 2012

By Vanessa Brunner

Every design style gets a shout-out in the most saved living room photos of the past year — see if any elements speak to your own tastes

KITCHEN CABINETS Keeping Cabinet Color on the Down Low

Give just base cabinets a colorful coat for a kitchen sporting character and a spacious look

ARCHITECTURE What’s Fueling Austin’s Edgy Modern Architecture?

By Mitchell Parker

A look at the blossoming design scene in Texas’ capital city — and what’s behind all the experimentation

KITCHEN CABINETS Kitchen Cabinet Color: Should You Paint or Stain?

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn about durability, looks, cost and more for wooden cabinet finishes to make the right choice for your kitchen

KITCHEN DESIGN Design an Easy-Clean Kitchen

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

"You cook and I'll clean" might no longer be a fair trade with these ideas for low-maintenance kitchen countertops, cabinets and floors

DECORATING GUIDES What You Need to Know Before Painting Brick

By Vanessa Brunner

Sure, painted brick can be a great look. But you need to take some risks into account. Here's how to paint brick like a pro

Sponsored

Kuhns Contracting, Inc.

26 Reviews

Central Ohio's Trusted Home Remodeler Specializing in Kitchens & Baths