How can I save my Rhodidendron - Ask Extension
5he leaves on my Rhododendron are wilting and turning brown. I have been watering it daily to no avail. Are there any actions I can take to save my ...
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How can I save my Rhodidendron #879582
Asked July 31, 2024, 12:35 PM EDT
5he leaves on my Rhododendron are wilting and turning brown. I have been watering it daily to no avail. Are there any actions I can take to save my beloved plant? Would it help to prune the dead branches off my beloved flowering bush or cut it down and leave just a stem.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
I am sad to say that your beloved Rhododendron may be beyond saving at this point.
We can't tell but there are multiple issues you can think about.
When did you start noticing the problem?
It has been terribly hot and dry this year (and last) and drought is stressing many plants. However, it is also possible that if the root ball was constantly wet that a root rot disease set in.
Give the main stem a pull upwards to see if it detaches easily. Sometimes voles feed on roots below the soil and can kill plants. If so, you'd see the gnawing/feeding damage on the root area. It looks like it's in a tight space there, possibly with reduced root area to grow and reflected heat from the walls/walk.
Finally, any weed killers used nearby near the sidewalk or on the lawn? Some types can kill plants that have roots within the treated areas.
You can let it go until spring to see if it is able to flush any new growth just in case.
If it doesn't make it through- picking out a new one from the many lovely kinds is something nice to look forward to.
Christine
We can't tell but there are multiple issues you can think about.
When did you start noticing the problem?
It has been terribly hot and dry this year (and last) and drought is stressing many plants. However, it is also possible that if the root ball was constantly wet that a root rot disease set in.
Give the main stem a pull upwards to see if it detaches easily. Sometimes voles feed on roots below the soil and can kill plants. If so, you'd see the gnawing/feeding damage on the root area. It looks like it's in a tight space there, possibly with reduced root area to grow and reflected heat from the walls/walk.
Finally, any weed killers used nearby near the sidewalk or on the lawn? Some types can kill plants that have roots within the treated areas.
You can let it go until spring to see if it is able to flush any new growth just in case.
If it doesn't make it through- picking out a new one from the many lovely kinds is something nice to look forward to.
Christine
