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What is wrong with my rhododendron?

CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 778
in Problem solving
It was opening as normal but it's now kind of stalled and the individual flower parts look weird, all on the end of their stalk, if you see what I mean? It doesn't normally open like this. I'm not convinced the flowers are even going to open properly??

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Is it very dry? Sometimes they just don't have enough oomph to make that final step if they've not had enough water, or if the ground is a bit dry. It often is next to a wall.

    In the same way plants shed foliage or flowers early if the main plant is at risk of dying/failing due to stress, buds  [ on shrubs especially] can sometimes be aborted. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 778
    It's in a pot and it did occur to me yesterday that it has actually stopped raining recently so I did give it a drink and thought it would've perked up overnight but it hasn't. I've given it another drink just now but maybe I'm too late  :(
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If it's in a sunnier site, you could also move it into more shade. 
    It's quite easy for pots to get dried out, especially with evergreen shrubs in them as the rain has to be decent enough to penetrate that canopy.
    If you stick your finger in far enough you should be able to determine how damp or not the soil is. A saucer/tray under the pot is sometimes necessary if you're in a drier area, especially if it's warmer too. They're much easier in cooler, damper climates for that reason. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 778
    It's in a shady part of the garden, just gets a bit of early morning sun. I think there is a saucer under it, I'll double check though - the pot is hidden in a bench with square planters at each end so I can't see the bottom! I think I've just got so used to it raining that I've been caught out! Thanks 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'm not saying that's definitely the reason, but it would be a reasonable guess, as it's the most common reason for buds not opening well.  :)
    As you say, it's easy to forget their needs if you're used to having rain, and then it's drier, and suddenly something goes wrong. Anything potted is always a bit more vulnerable to changes in weather, but so much easier in the ground. I'm sure it'll be fine though, if it's otherwise healthy enough  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • MrMowMrMow Posts: 160
    Oh what a wonderful plant , I wish I could help but will follow.
    I never knew retirement would be so busy. :smile:




  • CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 778

    Looking much happier today @Fairygirl yay! Thanks. @MrMow it is a lovely plant, once a year is a long time to wait for a flower so it's doubly important it succeeds 😁
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Just been a bit droopy then @Crazybeelady - I know the feeling  ;)

    Sometimes it's just a bit too warm and dry for them, and a bit of cooler weather makes all the difference. Always trickier for them in pots too. Glad it's perked up.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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