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Potted Rhododendron fading

peter_v_turnerpeter_v_turner Posts: 1
in Problem solving
We have a potted Rhododendron that looks like it's dying. It's on gravel and flowers have been attacked in the past by ants. This year it was looking OK until recently now it quickly wilting since the weather has warmed. I was putting some new plants in pots and emptying the pot next to it, I found loads of ants in the pot along with masses of what looked like eggs about 5mm long.

I've heard of root rot, as it gets a lot of sun in the afternoon, was wondering if this was the cause or if the neighbouring pots denizens were the cause. What can I do to identify the issue and also remedy it if possible?

Posts

  • TenNTenN Posts: 184
    I had similar, went a bit bigger with the pot and added loads of new ericaceous soil. Kept it watered from the butt and it picked up fairly quickly.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited June 2023
    Rhododendron new leaf shoots will wilt in full sun when very young.  They usually recover quickly if sprayed with water, or in the evening.  Lots more water in the hot weather.  Rain water is best, but tapwater will be better than none.  Perhaps move it to a shadier position.  Perhaps a bigger pot.

    When the leaves are older, they are very drought resistant.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Yes,what TenN says,they really dislike mid day sun or wind. They're Japanese woodland plants, fair much better in semi shade.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's likely to be far too dry if there are lots of ants' nests in pots around it. The ants won't affect the flowers, but they're harvesting the aphids which are often present on flowers, especially if the plant's already stressed. You'd have to go some for it to get root rot. It would need to be sitting permanently in wet ground with no drainage for that to happen :)
    Shade, good soil, a decent sized pot, plenty of water and adequate drainage is what it needs. It's always helpful to refresh some soil on the top each year or so, and add a layer of bark when it's still moist, which helps retain the moisture better. It also breaks down and helps the growing medium.
    Pots are always more difficult to maintain, regardless of the plant, but especially shrubs, and especially ones that don't like being dry long term.  :)
    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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