Rhododendrum Shrubs - Ask Extension
For several years now, the 5 rhododendrum shrubs on the side of my house only have blooms at the bottom of the bush. There are buds all over but the ...
Knowledgebase
Rhododendrum Shrubs #749543
Asked May 12, 2021, 4:29 PM EDT
For several years now, the 5 rhododendrum shrubs on the side of my house only have blooms at the bottom of the bush. There are buds all over but the only blooms that open up are at the bottom of the bushes.
Carlton County Minnesota
Expert Response
The buds are formed in the fall. During the winter, unprotected buds can dry out or freeze out. The flowers on the bottom were protected by snow. Next year protect the whole shrubs. See this for options and instructions: https://www.rhododendron.org/protection.htm#:~:text=Drying%20winds%20and%20frozen%20ground,%2C%20such%20as%20Wilt%2DPruf.
