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Rhododendron yellowing

CopperdogCopperdog Posts: 617
in Problem solving
Hello I noticed today that 2 of my Rhodis have yellowing leaves thru the middle of the plant. Think it’s fairly alkaline here but I do put some ericaceous compost round the base in spring. Is it fungal or do you think I need to up my feeding and ericaceous mulching routine? The new growth on the tips look really good and healthy. 

Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    Just mulching with ericacous compost will not alter the ph of your soil.
    A water with sequestered iron plant tonic will  help but it's normal to some leaves to turn yellow and drop on evergreen plants,

  • sarinkasarinka Posts: 270
    Move them to large pots of ericacious soil?
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If your soil's alkaline, you can't change it just by adding compost.
    They're fine in neutral soil, but alkaline is no good. Pots would have to be huge.
    If you want rhodos, and the soil's alkaline, it's better to create a raised bed of some kind, specifically tailored for their needs. They'll always struggle to perform if the soil is wrong. You may also need to collect rainwater for them if your water supply isn't suitable. 
    As already said though, it's normal for any evergreen to drop leaves, especially if they're dry. It's just to preserve the majority of their foliage, although they will drop some anyway as they produce more. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Janet502Janet502 Posts: 1
    Question re pruning an old rhododendron, can I be really ruthless and when and if can I do it? Thank you
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