What is wrong with this rhododendron?
Brenda Danilowitz
6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (14)
Brenda Danilowitz
6 years agoRelated Discussions
What Am I Doing Wrong??
Comments (2)That's winter-related injury. Rhododendrons are sometimes subject to sunscald during winter. This is most likely to happen if the plant did not receive enough moisture before freezing in fall. The exposed portions of the leaf (usually the central exposed portion when the leaf was curled as they do in cold weather) may become brown - may also appear on the edges of some leaves. Prevention - water well before ground freezes, mulch to conserve moisture, protect from drying winds, provide some shade or artificial mean of protection against winter sun....See MoreWhat is going wrong with my Rhododendrons
Comments (8)Lacebug becomes a problem when certain varieties of rhododendrons are placed in too much sun. This keep natural predators of lacebugs from controlling them since the predators (spiders usually) don't like sun and the lacebugs don't mind it. So if you like the plants otherwise, just put them were there is more shade and they will be much happier and no spraying will be necessary. Some recommendations to replace Unique: Belle Heller - 5', -10F. Here is hardiness, sun tolerance, lush foliage, and a lovely flower all in one. The large flower is pure white with a striking gold blotch, set in large, ball shaped trusses on a vigorous grower. Boule de Neige - 5', -25F. Bright green, leathery leaves on a medium sized, rounded rhododendron. It's known for its heat and sun tolerance and is extremely cold hardy. Flowers are snow white in ball shaped trusses. It even blooms well in deep shade. Chionoides - 4', -10F. Tolerant of the sun and cold, this compact hybrid grows beautifully even when planted in locations often considered too exposed for a rhododendron. A broad, dense cushion measuring 5-6' high develops as the plant matures. White, dome trusses are bright and numerous. Disca - 5', -15F. The fragrant frilled flowers open a pale pink that fades to white. 'Disca' is also a late bloomer (June). Tests as resistant to root rot and is sun and heat tolerant....See MoreWhat's wrong with my rhododendrons?
Comments (4)A couple of things are going on. Photo #2 is showing rhododendron leaf spot, Septoria azaleae. Photo #3 & 5 show lacebug damage, not aphids. IME, aphids seldom bother any broadleaved evergreen. Don't really see any yellow foliage. New growth typically comes in a much lighter green, almost chartreuse, but will darken as they mature....See MoreWhat’s wrong with my rhododendron?
Comments (3)The brown and grayish areas are from frost damage and an opportunistic fungal infection. The rhodies are not used to cold weather yet or you got unusually cold temperatures. Keep giving them TLC. No fertilizers while they are stressed. Once they begin to leaf out, give them a little Holly Tone for azaleas at half strength. I would throw away in the trash all the leaves that fall down as soon as possible to minimize spreading fungi. Do not fertilize late in the growing season so they harden in time for winter....See MoreBrenda Danilowitz
6 years agoMike McGarvey
6 years agoKyle
6 years agoBrenda Danilowitz
6 years agoshoileygal
11 months agolast modified: 11 months agoMarie Tulin
11 months agoshoileygal
11 months ago
Related Stories
LIFETrue Confessions of a House Stalker
Letting go when a new owner dares to change a beloved house's look can be downright difficult. Has this ever happened to you?
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES8 Deer-Resistant Elegant Evergreen Shrubs to Plant This Fall
Who knew that such beautiful shrubs could be deer-resistant?
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGet a Head Start on Planning Your Garden Even if It’s Snowing
Reviewing what you grew last year now will pay off when it’s time to head outside
Full StoryMOST POPULARHow to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink
Learn about basin configurations, sink shapes, materials and even accessories and specialty sinks
Full StoryEARTH DAYThe Case for Losing the Traditional Lawn
Work less, help the environment and foster connections by just saying no to typical turf
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESNew Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden
Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want
Full StoryFLOWERSWhy You Should Give Hydrangeas a Place in Your Yard
The exuberant mop-headed beauties evoke dreams of an endless summer by the sea
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Mahonia Aquifolium for Birds
Oregon grape puts on a bold spectacle from spring through winter and is ideal to brighten partly shady corners in the U.S. West
Full StoryFLOWERSRudbeckia Mania: Go Beyond Black-Eyed Susan in the Garden
Branch out from typical nursery fare, with lesser-known Rudbeckia species that have delightfully unexpected features
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNDitch the Ordinary Ditch: Create a Realistic Dry Creek Bed
Here’s how to turn your water runoff system into an eye-catching accent for your landscape
Full Story
akamainegrower