Thoughts on my Rhododendron

[meadow]

Hi neighbor,

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

I'm puzzled by your comment about "harsh cold winters" since we are so close. For perspective, I've never seen a rhododendron take winter damage here. It is very puzzling (to me).

eta: and we are closer to the mountains, and a bit colder than you

 

[CarolPNW]

I'm puzzled by your comment about "harsh cold winters" since we are so close. For perspective, I've never seen a rhododendron take winter damage here. It is very puzzling (to me).

eta: and we are closer to the mountains, and a bit colder than you

It’s just that the leaves turned brown and it had no sign of disease so I attributed it to to much rain and not enough sun.. last year it rained through May almost June, I got 5 peaches because the blossoms were knocked off by the rain and normally I get at least a hundred. It may be from old age too just trying to figure it out
Did not mean to puzzle you

 

[meadow]

It’s just that the leaves turned brown and it had no sign of disease so I attributed it to to much rain and not enough sun.. last year it rained through May almost June, I got 5 peaches because the blossoms were knocked off by the rain and normally I get at least a hundred. It may be from old age too just trying to figure it out
Did not mean to puzzle you

Oh, I see. Yes, last year was so dark! And it took a very long time to warm up. My beans suffered terribly. It didn't affect our rhodies though. I bet there is something else going on with your rhodie than the cold and wet. There is a rhododendron garden up where Hwy 18 meets I-5 by Weyerhauser. I can't think of what they're called at the moment; my daughter had a membership there but I've not been myself. Anyway, I bet they would be very helpful in figuring it out (or obtaining a new plant). There is some kind of event they have every year and they sell plants then.

 

[meadow]

@CarolPNW

It is the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way, and turns out it is open Tues-Sunday!

Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden – Federal Way, Wa

rhodygarden.org

I bet they may know (or have some ideas about) what happened to your rhodie.

 

[CarolPNW]

@CarolPNW

It is the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way, and turns out it is open Tues-Sunday!

Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden – Federal Way, Wa

rhodygarden.org

I bet they may know (or have some ideas about) what happened to your rhodie.

Thanks so much

 

[CarolPNW]

Oh, I see. Yes, last year was so dark! And it took a very long time to warm up. My beans suffered terribly. It didn't affect our rhodies though. I bet there is something else going on with your rhodie than the cold and wet. There is a rhododendron garden up where Hwy 18 meets I-5 by Weyerhauser. I can't think of what they're called at the moment; my daughter had a membership there but I've not been myself. Anyway, I bet they would be very helpful in figuring it out (or obtaining a new plant). There is some kind of event they have every year and they sell plants then.

My neighbor studied horticulture and he said after I had asked here it had died… Oh that’s not to far away I’ll have to stop by there sometime

 

[meadow]

My neighbor studied horticulture and he said after I had asked here it had died

Did he say what could have happened?

I was curious and did a quick search. You may be right about the wetness, as they are supposed to have good drainage and mine are not far from a drain tile. Here are some causes that I found:

- planted too deeply
- poor drainage
- not enough water in the summer [last summer/fall was unusually dry]
- over fertilization
- too much sun, unless it is a variety that tolerates direct sun.

I hope you have success with future rhodies! They are so pretty when they bloom.

 

[CarolPNW]

Did he say what could have happened?

I was curious and did a quick search. You may be right about the wetness, as they are supposed to have good drainage and mine are not far from a drain tile. Here are some causes that I found:

- planted too deeply
- poor drainage
- not enough water in the summer [last summer/fall was unusually dry]
- over fertilization
- too much sun, unless it is a variety that tolerates direct sun.

I hope you have success with future rhodies! They are so pretty when they bloom.

No he just said it was dead with that icon lol

They were here when we moved in about a dozen bushes
these are the ones in front from 2 yearsc ago

3 at the end past my peony

in the front by the window

that’s my Sierra guarding them lol

these are in the backyard the one at the end looked like it was in trouble for awile by Sierra past my irises

They like the spot just not sure why that one died.. also a few more in the other side of the yard look a little haggard

but they are usually this gorgeous

 

[CarolPNW]

I use Osmocote

 

[meadow]

Wowzers! Those are beautiful!

Yeah, my house came with the rhodies too. The photo of the one in the backyard, past Sierra (gorgeous girl!! ), makes me wonder what is happening on the other side of the fence. Is it suddenly in more sun than it was before, or is it receiving water from the property behind you? (just thinking out loud, so to speak)

The ones up by your house are near drain tiles just like mine.

It certainly is a mystery.