Garden

[Biftu]

My rhododendron has not been healthy for a few years.  The leaves are sparse yet there are plenty of healthy blooms.  Now that the flowers have died off it looks terrible with those sparse leaves.  Should I give it a good pruning now that it has finished flowering?

[ValuSkr]

Maybe it needs to be fed?  I'd use Hollytone from Espoma.

I'm having a similar problem with azaleas.  This is a condo association, and they do all the landscaping in common beds, so I haven't fed them in the past.  But maybe I'll have to do something.

[FranandZoe]

After the flowers have died is definitely the time to trim - just don't scalp it - cut the dead areas if any.  And yes feed it too.  Good luck!

[fthunt]

Do you live in a dry part of the country?   Rhododendron plants have very shallow roots - meaning roots are just below the soil level.  They should not be allowed to go dry for length of time.  (loss of leaves makes me wonder)  In NYS this year blooms are absolutely full and beautiful - no clue why some years are better than others.  Winter temps?  (perhaps)  Not too cold - or sub-zero conditions.  Yes, cut back or off all dead wood but never prune in the Spring or you'll be cutting off the buds for the summer.  They bloom on old wood.  Perhaps Google for more information.  Good Luck

[SeaMaiden]

@Biftu   I would do a soil test  first before anything( you can purchase test kits at any place that sells yard and garden supplies).  It sounds like your soil may be deficient.  The test kit will let you know what your soil may need.

Also water ( too much or too little) may be part of the issue.

  Do you fertilize them twice a year? Buying a good Rhododendron fertilizer might be the answer.. just make sure you find out the best times to do that. It is usually before they bloom when in bud in the  early spring and one other time. 

[software]

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@SeaMaiden wrote:

@Biftu   I would do a soil test  first before anything( you can purchase test kits at any place that sells yard and garden supplies).  It sounds like your soil may be deficient.  The test kit will let you know what your soil may need.

Also water ( too much or too little) may be part of the issue.

  Do you fertilize them twice a year? Buying a good Rhododendron fertilizer might be the answer.. just make sure you find out the best times to do that. It is usually before they bloom when in bud in the  early spring and one other time. 

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  I agree, the plants need acid in the soil, best way to know is to test.

Mulch heavily with organic matter, such as oak leaves or manure.   There is "clean" manure at the garden stores.    Water well

@Biftu

[Biftu]

Thanks everyone.  I will admit I have been neglectful and will trim off dead branches and feeding it which I have never done.  It is in a crowded spot so that could also be an issue.  The one on the side of my house is thriving on neglect, but not this one.  I'll have to give this one some more loving care.

[JustJazzmom]

Some rhodies need winter protection such as applying an anti-dessicant like Wilt-Pruf to the leaves before winter and wrapping the plant in burlap to protect against winter's cold and leaf during winds. 

This year was the first year since I bought a rhodie that it bloomed due to mild winter here. It looked lovely.

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18485351_10155551714239396_9122866390211458064_n.jpg?oh=1d1a4...

[muttmom]

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@fthunt wrote:

Do you live in a dry part of the country?   Rhododendron plants have very shallow roots - meaning roots are just below the soil level.  They should not be allowed to go dry for length of time.  (loss of leaves makes me wonder)  In NYS this year blooms are absolutely full and beautiful - no clue why some years are better than others.  Winter temps?  (perhaps)  Not too cold - or sub-zero conditions.  Yes, cut back or off all dead wood but never prune in the Spring or you'll be cutting off the buds for the summer.  They bloom on old wood.  Perhaps Google for more information.  Good Luck

I'm in Westchester County and you are correct.  Our rhododendron are magnificent this year.  Our azaleas and magnolias were a bust bust but the lilacs were superb.

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[tl98466]

Here in Washington State, the Rhody is our State flower.  The nice thing about them is that most of the varieties can be cut WAY back and they start sprouting brances out everywhere! I've had some scraggly ones that I've cut back and they are georgous now! It's really hard to hurt rhodies! Good luck!