Thoughts on my Rhododendron

[CarolPNW]

This Rhododendron along with 12 others were here when we moved in this house 14 years ago
we have harsh cold winters here in Washington state. One year the leaves were completely brown
so I trimmed them all back and it’s been 2 years now and nothing has come back. There is a rhodie
next to it that’s doing ok. I did the scratch test and the branch is brown. Does anyone know if I should
give it more time or just call it a day. I’m not sure how I’d get it dug up or should I just cut it down?
Thanks a million

 

[Marie2020]

This Rhododendron along with 12 others were here when we moved in this house 14 years ago
we have harsh cold winters here in Washington state. One year the leaves were completely brown
so I trimmed them all back and it’s been 2 years now and nothing has come back. There is a rhodie
next to it that’s doing ok. I did the scratch test and the branch is brown. Does anyone know if I should
give it more time or just call it a day. I’m not sure how I’d get it dug up or should I just cut it down?
Thanks a million

Hopefully someone will come back with an answer soon

 

[digitS']

All I can think is that if there have been no leaves on it at anytime through a growing season that it is no longer alive.

Perennial plants can surprise me but year-around dormancy in normal weather conditions just doesn’t seem possible. For a seed, yes. For a plant, no.

Steve

 

[CarolPNW]

All I can think is that if there have been no leaves on it at anytime through a growing season that it is no longer alive.

Perennial plants can surprise me but year-around dormancy in normal weather conditions just doesn’t seem possible. For a seed, yes. For a plant, no.

Steve

Thank you I think it’s a goner too I appreciate the reply

 

[flowerbug]

if you cut it back by sections towards the trunk you may find some green that maybe will try to regrow eventually, but my guess is that the cutting back and drought and heat may have done them in.

at the worst you end up with a bunch of pieces of branches and trunk that can be used as mulch or compost.

 

[Dahlia]

Hopefully someone will come back with an answer soon

I had a rhododendron die from powdery mildew a couple years ago. The two other rhodies in my front yard were fine.

 

[meadow]

If the leaves were completely brown, then it was probably a goner before you cut it. I doubt it could be from the climate, assuming your location is current (we're practically neighbors).

 

[CarolPNW]

if you cut it back by sections towards the trunk you may find some green that maybe will try to regrow eventually, but my guess is that the cutting back and drought and heat may have done them in.

at the worst you end up with a bunch of pieces of branches and trunk that can be used as mulch or compost.

I’m hoping it’s not going to take to much muscle to dig it up

 

[CarolPNW]

If the leaves were completely brown, then it was probably a goner before you cut it. I doubt it could be from the climate, assuming your location is current (we're practically neighbors).

Hi neighbor,

Yes they were, it was a rough year and last year too.. it seemed like winter lasted through spring

 

[CarolPNW]

I had a rhododendron die from powdery mildew a couple years ago. The two other rhodies in my front yard were fine.

They have usually flourished, I use Oscomote fertilizer on them.. but they have been going through the harsher winters and they are old