Dead mature Rhody - Ask Extension
One of four mature rhododendrons developed brown leaves late last summer despite shade and adequate water. All the wood is dry and dead after the wint...
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Dead mature Rhody #868399
Asked May 14, 2024, 1:32 PM EDT
One of four mature rhododendrons developed brown leaves late last summer despite shade and adequate water. All the wood is dry and dead after the winter. I cut the 2-3” trunks back to 10” above ground. No sign of live wood or new shoots.
Possible causes?
Should I dig up entire root structure before planting new rhody for fear of disease in the soil?
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
I suspect root or below ground root issues to be the problem. The most common problems include root rot due to overwatering. You might discover poor drainage when you dig up the roots. That would need to be corrected before a new plant is put in the same site. https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/rhododendron-phytophthora-root-rot
Root weevils is another common problem where the larvae girdle the plant at or below ground. Again, some detective work on your part should help find out the problem. https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/nursery/common/nursery-crop-weevil
And it could be neither of these as we are just making educated guesses based on limited information provided.
Root weevils is another common problem where the larvae girdle the plant at or below ground. Again, some detective work on your part should help find out the problem. https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/nursery/common/nursery-crop-weevil
And it could be neither of these as we are just making educated guesses based on limited information provided.
