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

Rhododendron

Pat EwartPat Ewart Posts: 5
in Problem solving

I have a rhododendron that is looking very sad. It's leaves are eaten with the ones left brown. The rhododendron next to it is now showing signs of being eaten as well. I thought it could be vine weevil. Is there a way of getting rid of it, or do I dig the plants up disposing of all the soil around the plants along with my two bushes. They are both quite young plants and I am afraid it's going to spread to my more mature ones.

I would appreciate advice, any advice on how to help my sad bushes.

image

 

 

«1

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Hate to say it Pat,but, if it was me, I'd get rid of those. image

    A healthy rhodie shrugs off vine weevil damage and most other pests and diseases - they're pretty tough. Unless someone knows better, I'd certainly lift the young shrubs and have a look for any nasties lurking in the soil.

    If you feel it's worth trying to stop the damage and save the plants, you could prune them back and pot them up for now with some fresh soil and stick them somewhere to let them recover. Then check the soil they've been in and go from there.

    See what others here think image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    No patience for plants with pests and diseases Verd image image

    I've never had any bother with vine weevils so I never think to use things like provado. Probably because we have such good growing conditions for them up here and they grow like weeds.

    That's my story and I'm sticking to it...image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pat EwartPat Ewart Posts: 5

    Thank you both, much appreciated. The soil is more drie than wet. I'll give it a go.image

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    They don't like too dry a soil Pat. I should have said that in my first reply. It's not a problem here in Scotland - never really short of the wet stuff at any time of year! image

    If it's in the lee of house wall it will also be drier than a bed or border in a  more open site. If you can beef up the soil with some FYM that will also help. A good mulch in spring after a wet spell will help retain moisture too.

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • sand8sand8 Posts: 23

    Rhodos main pest is leafminer, (more so than vine weevil) they leave a nibbling on the leaves, so that may account for the nibbling/holes that you are finding. Judging from the picture you appear to have more than one problem - yellowing of leaves on rhodos can be caused by powdery mildew ( you won't necessarily get a white covering as on azaleas), so that may be an option. You haven't mentioned anything about the roots so guessing they are okay.

  • Pat EwartPat Ewart Posts: 5

    Yes,  I know what you mean about the Scottish weather. It's by a hedge so that could be the problem. Thanks, you are very kind and helpful image 

  • Pat EwartPat Ewart Posts: 5

    Thank you so much for all your advice. perhaps I should dig it up and investigate the roots.

Sign In or Register to comment.