PJM Rhodie defoliation - Ask Extension
I have 3 PJM Elite Rhodies planted in the same area in 2022. Some morning sun then full shade. Gets rain runoff from roof behind the plantings but dra...
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PJM Rhodie defoliation #854341
Asked October 30, 2023, 11:56 AM EDT
I have 3 PJM Elite Rhodies planted in the same area in 2022. Some morning sun then full shade. Gets rain runoff from roof behind the plantings but drains well. Healthy plants when purchased (I work at the garden center). They are not planted too deep and no mulch is close to the base of the bush. Starting last summer all of the interior leaves have dried and fallen off. The tips had some new growth this year after that late freeze and I see buds for next spring, but all of the interior leaves have dropped and no new growth on the inside. What could be causing this? Thanks, Cathy
Windham County Vermont
Expert Response
Hello Cathy,
The two options that you might be looking at are either the plant themselves are diseased or the environment in which they are planted has not been friendly to them.
You said that they had been healthy when purchased and that they have new growth so it is unlikely that something is wrong with the plant itself. However, I am including an article that will go more in depth Into plant disease with rhododendrons so that you can eliminate that possibility.
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/rhododendron-phytophthora-root-rot
Given the evidence that you present I think it may be more a problem with their environment. Pay close attention to the moisture that they are receiving, or the soil in which they are planted. They will need a slightly acid soil so it may be good for you to get a soil analysis to find out your soil PH. They also have certain moisture requirements so paying attention to this may be helpful to your plants. I'm also including an article on what these plants need for ongoing care.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/give-rhododendrons-azaleas-annual-check-each-spring
It is hoped that if you pay attention to a couple of changes your plants might need you will enjoy a more healthy summer in 2024.
The two options that you might be looking at are either the plant themselves are diseased or the environment in which they are planted has not been friendly to them.
You said that they had been healthy when purchased and that they have new growth so it is unlikely that something is wrong with the plant itself. However, I am including an article that will go more in depth Into plant disease with rhododendrons so that you can eliminate that possibility.
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/rhododendron-phytophthora-root-rot
Given the evidence that you present I think it may be more a problem with their environment. Pay close attention to the moisture that they are receiving, or the soil in which they are planted. They will need a slightly acid soil so it may be good for you to get a soil analysis to find out your soil PH. They also have certain moisture requirements so paying attention to this may be helpful to your plants. I'm also including an article on what these plants need for ongoing care.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/give-rhododendrons-azaleas-annual-check-each-spring
It is hoped that if you pay attention to a couple of changes your plants might need you will enjoy a more healthy summer in 2024.
