Rhododendron brown leaves

davidphillipstratford · September 2018

I planted a young rhododendron very early on this summer and recently most of the leaves have started to turn brown and I have no idea why?

Its planted in clay soil in a relatively sunny position. I dug a decent sized hole and filled with ericacious soil.

I also planted another more established rhododendron, albeit a different variety, about 2 meters away in exactly the same conditions and this one is thriving.

I am therefore not sure if the plant is the issue or the site or a combination of both. However, I love this variety (Roosevelt) and don’t want to do away with it if it is salvageable?

Pete.8 · September 2018

The flower buds are well formed, so it's probably not a lack of water.
My guess would be sun-scorch, as we've had a lot of sun this year.
The affected leaves will fall, but I think your plant is probably fine

davidphillipstratford · September 2018

Ok thanks, let’s hope plant is ok then!

ZeroZero1 · September 2018

I am having similar problems with Rhodos. It seems to me that they have problems in the second year, perhaps related to when the fine root structures peak out from the ericacious soil. I have lost three over two years. You can get sulphur pellets to adjust the ph, but I would proceed with caution. Currently I have two further Rhodos with these symptoms, both planted in the right soil. Could be too much sun too.

ZeroZero1 · September 2018

Found this:
https://www.rhododendron.org/v48n2p85.htm

Silver surfer · September 2018

Rhodo's large and small all have very shallow roots that hate to dry out.
It has been an extremely hot summer in most of UK.
Watering well until established is mega important.
This is where a really deep layer of MULCH is essential.
Give Rhodo at least 2 gals water...then add a layer of mulch.
Composted leaves, composted bark, are perfect.
Do not mound it round the stem...that will rot any plant.
Put a large circle, about 4" deep right round the plant.
This will help to keep roots cool and to keep the soil round the roots moist.
It also suppresses weeds.

Most Rhodo's are very happy in sheltered, semi shaded areas.
Full sun...drying winds...dry roots ....problems will happen.

https://www.google.com/search?q=mulch+trees&client=firefox-b&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiv-_SS59DdAhUH2qQKHT6TD_oQ_AUIDygC&biw=1920&bih=944

Right and wrong way.....
https://www.google.com/search?q=mulch+trees&client=firefox-b&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiv-_SS59DdAhUH2qQKHT6TD_oQ_AUIDygC&biw=1920&bih=944#imgrc=ig0Kgzco515R-M:

https://www.google.com/search?q=mulch+trees&client=firefox-b&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiv-_SS59DdAhUH2qQKHT6TD_oQ_AUIDygC&biw=1920&bih=944#imgrc=t-6BbArmK8gWrM:

Fairygirl · September 2018

It's sun Davidphilip. I wouldn't worry too much. This year has been tough on lots of plants.
It's not something we normally have to worry about here [sun scorch] but I have a rhodie which has a few leaves the same as yours. I knew I was taking a chance planting it where it is, but we don't get such high temps here, or for so long, in summer. They've now dropped off and there's plenty of new, green healthy foliage

Having said that - what I would do is clear all the weeds from around it, and define the grass edge to give it a better environment.

Too much competition for moisture and nutrients otherwise. If you tend to get a lot of hot sun where you live, make sure in spring you get a mulch down after some rain, to preserve it. That will help it to thrive if you get a long dry spell

Rhododendron brown leaves

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