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Azalea & Rhododendron

What could be wrong with my Hotei??

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I planted this just a week ago, and the leaves are drooping. I've given it water because I thought that's what it needed, but it's getting worse not better. It's a new rhody and I did not move any of the roots when I planted it. Should I have? It gets morning sun and afternoon shade and the leaves don't look damaged, just so droopy.

Can anyone help? Thank you.

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Comments (4)

morz8 - Washington Coast
8 years ago
It needs water.

Roughing up the rootball when planting a container grown plant is just about essential. With container grown plants, it is important to loosen and even cut some of the outer roots - cutting the roots encourages new roots to grow out into the soil. In some cases, hosing off the outer part of the soil or planting mix can be helpful in loosening roots for growth into their new planting hole.

Chances are the rootball in its potting medium shape has dried out, you could be watering but only moistening the surrounding soil without any penetrating the rootball. Lift it out of the ground, place it in a pail of water for several minutes to completely wet it again. Don't just leave it there indefinitely, you could drown it ;) Just until you know its completely wet all the way through. Then rough up the outer edges of that rootball and plant it again. No deeper than it was originally growing in its container. Water once more to settle it in and reapply your mulch.
Sharon Zone 6b thanked morz8 - Washington Coast
Sharon Zone 6b
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks so much, I will do what you suggest when I get home today. Thanks!
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akamainegrower
8 years ago
I am really curious about the source of Hotei in Z6. Witout meaning to be overly discouraging, it's hard to be optimistic about this variety's winter survival chances in anything below Z7. Further, there is a good deal of genetic material from the species r. wardii in Hotei's ancestry. This makes it susceptible to root rot infections in warm areas. If you are quite close to the moderating influence of the ocean - warmer winters and cooler summers - everything may be fine. Insuring that the soil drainage is very good, that the top of the root ball is slightly above grade and providing protection from winter sun and wind with some sort of barrier can be a big help even if you are located close enough to the ocean to smell it.
rhodyman
8 years ago
You got a lot of good advice. I have an additional concern. Your photo makes it look like your Hotei has fairly long very pale new growth. That is not normal. It may have been grown in a shady area and overfed (fertilized) in the nursery. That would make is more susceptible to disease and major changes in the weather. It may need much more attention than a good field grown plant.

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