What’s happening to my PJM rhododendrons? - Ask Extension
Last fall I planted a row of 10 PJMs. I fertilized them with an evergreen shrub fertilizer in the spring. Now most are now doing beautifully, but 3 ar...
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What’s happening to my PJM rhododendrons? #844264
Asked August 05, 2023, 11:58 AM EDT
Last fall I planted a row of 10 PJMs. I fertilized them with an evergreen shrub fertilizer in the spring. Now most are now doing beautifully, but 3 are not thriving and 1 is dying (in picture: #1, 3, 6 yellow, #9 is dying). No specific pattern as far as lighting or water availability. Leaves are light in color and curling under along central vein. No sign of parasites or disease. Soil testing with a meter shows similar pH (alkaline) and moisture content.
New Haven County Connecticut
Expert Response
I am not sure how this question came to this group because we are in Minnesota! I can't really speak to growing PJMs in Connecticut, but I can offer a few general comments on growing rhododendrons. Leaf curling can be caused by a high soil pH or lack of water.
Most plants from nurseries have a one-year guarantee and I suggest you take advantage of that. It could be that the plants you bought were not healthy in the first place. If you do replace them, work some humus/compost into the soil to lower the pH before you plant them.
I will submit this and close the case out. I suggest you get back into Ask Extension, rewrite the question and resubmit it. Hopefully it will go to a Master Gardener in Connecticut!
- Rhododendrons need an acid soil; a pH of 4.5 to 6.0. One of the signs of a pH that is too high is yellowing leaves. You should be fertilizing with an acidic fertilizer like Miracid or a fertilizer for Azalea/Rhododendrons. Start fertilizing in the spring and continue through the fall.
- Rhodies like a moist, humusy, soil; they do not like to dry out. You should mulch them with a leaf mulch to keep the moisture in.
Most plants from nurseries have a one-year guarantee and I suggest you take advantage of that. It could be that the plants you bought were not healthy in the first place. If you do replace them, work some humus/compost into the soil to lower the pH before you plant them.
I will submit this and close the case out. I suggest you get back into Ask Extension, rewrite the question and resubmit it. Hopefully it will go to a Master Gardener in Connecticut!
