Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Tired Rhododendron Advice

fionadalzellfionadalzell Posts: 3
in Plants

This has been left to look after its self for many years and I would very much like to revive it. The branches are extremely leggy and leaves/flowers are only at the ends for almost all of the plant. There does appear to be new growth towards the middle at the base of the branches so I'm considering cutting it back to around half the current height (from 2' to 1'). Flowering is almost over now and I'd like to know when is best to give it a good cut back and if it is likely to survive.
Many thanks in advance x

Posts

  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
    Maybe a sequesteran feed will help.....
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    It may well be quite dry in the position it's in up against 2 walls and there seems to be deficiency, hence the yellowing leaves.
    Some sequestered iron should correct the deficiency, but try and ensure it's not drying out.
    I'm sure it'll look stunning when back to health.
    If you soil is quite alkaline, then it may not be suitable for rhododendrons. Do other gardens locally have healthy rhododendrons?

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • fionadalzellfionadalzell Posts: 3
    Thank you. I doubt it's ever been fed properly. Some good manure/compost & plenty of water will most definitely help. Should I not cut it back at all after flowering?
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I think it best to let it recover before chopping bits off. It's not in great health atm and the wounds may end up killing it off.
    Some water and a mulch will def help, but I think you need to correct the deficiency too with sequestered iron - which is widely available.
    e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maxicrop-PPSI61L-Plus-Sequestered-Litre/dp/B000TAT3W2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=F7YEJS3DJGZQ&dchild=1&keywords=sequestered%2Biron%2Bplant%2Bfood&qid=1589371367&sprefix=sequest%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2&th=1
    Or you can even nip down to your local garden centre now :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • fionadalzellfionadalzell Posts: 3
    Excellent, thank you.
Sign In or Register to comment.