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Perennials & Annuals - Australia

Rhododendrons that didn't flower

21 years ago

This year several of my Rhododendrons grew large fleshy buds which appeared to be about to open but instead grew lots of fresh greenery where the flowers would have been. They seem healthy and flowered for the past two years. Has anyone else experienced this? Am I doing something wrong or is this 'normal' behaviour?

MPPI

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Comments (7)

User
21 years ago
MIPPI I never had problem when I grew them in Melb.
They could be lacking Potassium, do the older leaves have a bit of brown on the tips or yellow spotting on the foliage. If not them it could be somthing else, but a dose of Potash works wonders on flower buds and the colour of flowers and fruit. Probably worth a try.

MM.
MPPI
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks Mistymorn for the advice. The leaves look fine and always have. When should I give them the potash? Is it when they next appear to be attempting to flower or now to encourage them to flower?
MPPI
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User
21 years ago
I would do it now to encourage them.
Have a look at the instruction on the bag
it may say when. Good Luck..... MM.
MPPI
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks Mistymorn
MPPI
woori
21 years ago
I'm no expert but one of my Rhodies only produced one flower this season and the rest were buds which became leaves. I put it down to lack of water as I was trying to conserve water in that area for the past season. The other Rhodies which were watered normally all produced as usual.
MPPI
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks woori
That could certainly be the case with mine. In that case with our restrictions how they are my poor old Rhododendrons may never flower again.
MPPI
sebd
21 years ago
This is the first time my Rhodo did not flower and I just think it is the drought conditions. I was most surprised really but hopefully next year will be better.

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