I’ve written a lot more details below that will help you narrow down the problem if you are seeing your rhododendron leaves turning brown as well. I wonder if anyone can offer some advice on what my rhododendron seems to be dying from please? Once a section becomes afflicted the progress of the affliction spreads rapidly. Discovering the cause will make treatment options much more effective, and employing basic preventive practices will enable you to avoid the problems in the future. Also, help answer other questions about General Gardening and Rhododendron Plants, and plants at GardeningKnowHow.com Houseplants. I have noticed in the past couple of days that all the leaves are turning brown. A rhododendron in full bloom is a glorious sight and in many circles it is known as the king of evergreen flowering shrubs. By Manwithspear. In case you have an azalea bush (Rhododendron spp.) Also, if an herbicide is sprayed when temperatures are above 80 degrees F, it can evaporate into a vapor cloud and float up through your shrub causing severe damage or death. I planted two rhododendrons in May in a raised bed, next to each other. Soil too alkaline. If the rain isn’t falling, you have to turn on the sprinklers or get busy with a hose. This spring’s bloom was the best in a long time. The larger-leaved elepidote rhododendrons keep their leaves for 3 or 4 seasons. Or they may penetrate more deeply into the leaf toward the mid-rib. ... On a couple of them the older leaves are turning yellow, then brown and some are falling off. There are several environmental stress factors that can cause the symptoms your shrub is displaying. Healthy, vibrant leaves are an important part of the spring performance of a rhododendron (Rhodenderon spp.). Sometimes you notice a few dead branches, yellow or dried out leaves and wonder if the rhododendron … Brown leaf edges or entire leaves that have turned crispy are winter damage, usually from a combination of the ground being frozen (the plant can’t absorb water that is being lost through the leaves), sunburn from direct sun or sunlight being reflected off snow, or wind burn. Hi: I have a 10+ year old rhododendron. Rhododendrons which are not happy tend to show this by their leaves turning yellow. Once a section becomes afflicted the progress of the affliction spreads rapidly. I have a large rhodie myself and can understand your anxiety about losing such a magnificent shrub to pests or disease. 8 Simple Ways You Can Make Your Workplace More LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Fact Check: “JFK Jr. Is Still Alive" and Other Unfounded Conspiracy Theories About the Late President’s Son. Rhododendrons are quite easy to grow as long as you have well drained but moist acidic soil. I planted two rhododendrons in May in a raised bed, next to each other. The two primary reasons that rhododendron leaves turn brown are cold weather and rhododendron wilt. It was found that pruning the yellow leaves in time, cutting off the diseased branches and weak branches, and shortening the long branches could not only promote the growth of plants, but also ensure the perfect plant shape and reasonable distribution of branches. So why has my rhododendron got yellow leaves? The latter is … If the rain isn’t falling, you have to turn on the sprinklers or get busy with a hose. Like all evergreen plants, rhododendrons and azaleas periodically lose some of their foliage, and the leaves may turn yellow, red, or purple before they fall. Is there anything that I should have done differently / should be doing? There are several reasons that this may happen. Keeping the soil moist when the plants are in growth is essential. Much like any other plant, if a rhododendron doesn't get enough water, it will wilt. Rhododendron leaves turn yellow because of sun exposure, according to the Victoria Rhododendron Society. Rhodies are picky about the soil you plant them in and about how much water they like. Mine don't. The safest way to apply an herbicide is to apply it in the morning when temperatures are cool and there is no breeze to cause it to drift into your valued landscape plants. The use of an insecticide may be necessary if there is evidence of mites or insects. The plant is about 7 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. Help answer a question about the leaves turning brown and fallin off my rhododendron - Gardening Know How Questions & Answers. Likewise with soaking then drying out excessively when it happens over and over again. Asked August 30, 2016, 3:27 PM EDT. 1. The shrub's colorful blossoms are meant to be viewed against a lustrous backdrop of green. It seems to be happening in sections of the plant. 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