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Rhododendron dying??? see photo - help needed
Hello
Fairly new to the gardening scene so please go easy on me!
I recently planted a rhododendron (around 1 and a half weeks ago). The buds had started to flower beautiful pink flowers but some have since turned a turned more orange and gone limp and started to fall off. It has been a touch frosty the last few days. Wondering if that could be a factor? If so, would this cause further problems and what actions should I take?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Photo taken in mid April.
Thanks
James
Last edited: 18 April 2017 19:58:00
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The flowers have just finished flowering James
They can look a bit ropey, so it's good to deadhead if you can be bothered.It's normal for plants to have a little bit of transplant shock when newly planted too, especially when it's just at the point when they're about to bloom. They're very hardy plants, so they can take 10 - 15 degrees of frost on a regular basis without any problem.
If they've been grown undercover, it can be a bit of a shock when planted straight out, so if that's the case, it may simply be the sudden change in temps. It will recover, I'm sure
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks for your quick reply! You've made me feel a lot better!!
To deadhead them do I just gently pull off the dead ones?? (Real novice speaking here!!)
I assume new heads grow back? How long does that usually take?
Thank you!!
James, it wont flower again until next spring. Don't allow it to get dried out especially in the summer and autumn as that's when new buds start to form.
Thanks for your reply Joyce. Just wondering why it has flowered and died off so early and quick. I bought it with closed buds a couple of weeks ago and it seemed to flower and then die off quite quick? Would there be a reason for this? Maybe because its a new plant?
I'll be sure to keep it watered. Thanks for your help!
Yes - just snip the spent flowers off James. You can usually do it with your finger and thumb, but if you're unsure of doing that , use a pair of scissors or secateurs.
Follow Joyce's advice re the watering (and it's something you'll get accustomed to with experience) but also make sure it gets enough water in the first few months, especially if there's a long dry spell. Your own climate and soil conditions wher you are will dictate how much and how often.
It's always better to water thoroughly once a week than sprinkle it with water every day.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Try to use the water butt too, I know my area is a hard water zone, which is much more alkaline than rain, which is slightly acidic. Rhodos like acidic soil and water if possible