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Rhododendron looks like dying , can I save it?

SunnyspotSunnyspot Posts: 59
in Problem solving
Hi 
I planted this lovely large rhododendron a month ago into a really big large pot . I used acid loving soil. I only watered a little as rain was forecast and I didn't want to drown the roots as they're not too deep. unfortunately its taken a turn for the worst and the buds are going hard and turning rust colour , and the leaves look poor also. The site has sunny/shade mix , but it does take the brunt of the wind . I'm wandering if moving it will save it or if anyone thinks they know what the problems are ? 
If i move it , does anyone know of any largeish bushes that don't mind wind , mixed shade?
Thanks 
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Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    They need water to maintain the flowers and foliage in spring and they need water in summer thru autumn to make and maintain the buds for next year's flowers.  I suggest you stand the pot on feet or bricks so you know it can drain properly and then water generously - rain water or distilled water or tap water treated with chelated or sequestered iron.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • SunnyspotSunnyspot Posts: 59
    Hi Obelixx 
    thank you for your comment , I can definitely stand it on some clay pot feet , Ive never heard of the chelated or sequested iron ? is this something you can get in garden centres usually? Ill also look on line for it as Ive not heard of it before . Thanks 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Yes, it's a treatment for allowing ericaceous plants to take up iron and magnesium which are locked up by alkalinity.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    edited March 2021
    Can you provide more shelter for it? Probably some windburn going on but I don't think it looks too bad. The spent flowers should be snipped off and I find that they really prefer shade if you can do that. Don't over feed it or you will get brown tips on the leaves. (just discovered this myself on a specialist website) and always water with rain water. I think it will be fine if you can address these issues. I wouldnt worry about the sequestered iron feed as it doesn't appear to have pale green leaves and as you only potted it with fresh compost a month ago there will be plenty of nutrients there for a year. 
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    They don't like wind,a lot don't like full sun.yes,I lot of water,if it doesn't rain, we leave buckets of tap water for 24 hours to dechlorinate, something underneath to retain the water while watering,if you allow it to dry out one year, you will not get any flowers the following year.i scrape off any weeds and top dress with s bit of new Ericacious compost in spring, some have been in their pots 10 years
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Pittosporum don't mind wind, tobirra,nice glossy green leaves, white scented flowers.we are 10 minutes from the sea, near the south downs,keeps frost at bay,but creates a wind tunnel.They are all bungalows as well,so no protection from high house walls
  • SunnyspotSunnyspot Posts: 59
    Thank you for your really great tips, I will definitely try leaving the water out overnight 
    and look at its positioning again as it does face quite a bit of wind and then t certain times of day it gets fuller sun, so it might be better in a different location . Thank you to everyone ! 
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    Do you live in the UK?
    I'm surprised you still have flowers at this time of year.
    Sunny Dundee
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Mine are starting to flower
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    Nanny Beach said:
    Mine are starting to flower
    So are some of mine, but those flowers look like mine did in autumn last year.
    Sunny Dundee
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