Crispy rhododendron leaves - Ask Extension
Hi - we planted some PJM rhododendron a few weeks ago and the edges of the leaves are turning brown and crispy. They are planted on the north and east...
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Crispy rhododendron leaves #798238
Asked June 28, 2022, 8:53 AM EDT
Hi - we planted some PJM rhododendron a few weeks ago and the edges of the leaves are turning brown and crispy. They are planted on the north and east sides of a large raised bed. When we planted we did mix peat moss in to help with the soil ph. Is this too much Sun, not enough water, or something else? Thanks!
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Your plants may have transplant shock. The extremely hot weather may have cause the plants to lose more water from their leaves than they were able to take in from their limited root systems. Stick your finger into the soil about three inches deep. If the soil feels dry then slowly water it with warm water.
If the soil is wet then wait for a few days to water it again. The warm water will help to rehydrate the peat moss. Peat moss is hydrophobic so it repels water until it is rehydrated. Peat moss also requires a lot of warm water to rehydrate it. When you planted them were they root bound? You may need to dig one plant up to check. If they were root bound then slice the roots apart so the roots flare out on all sides. Make sure that the planting holes are twice the width of the root ball and only as deep as the pot. Hopefully the cooler weather will help the plants grow new roots that can take in more water.
If the soil is wet then wait for a few days to water it again. The warm water will help to rehydrate the peat moss. Peat moss is hydrophobic so it repels water until it is rehydrated. Peat moss also requires a lot of warm water to rehydrate it. When you planted them were they root bound? You may need to dig one plant up to check. If they were root bound then slice the roots apart so the roots flare out on all sides. Make sure that the planting holes are twice the width of the root ball and only as deep as the pot. Hopefully the cooler weather will help the plants grow new roots that can take in more water.
