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Grandiflora Catawba Rhododendron Problems #857162
Asked January 08, 2024, 4:33 PM EST
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
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The yellowing could be caused by several things. I would start with a simple pH test of the soil around the affected plants. Rhododendrons are acid-loving plants and the soil pH should be 4.5-5.5. When you start going up to 6.0 or higher, it's difficult for the plant to thrive and take up key nutrients. Here is a reference for the availability of common micronutrients based on soil pH https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ho/ho-240-w.pdf. If you want a more in-depth analysis there are local labs (https://al-labs-west.com/soil-analysis/ is one, but a web search can identify others) that can perform an analysis of macro- and micronutrients. I found one old article that indicated yellow margins could be caused by a boron deficiency https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/horticulture/osu-nursery-greenhouse-and-christmas-trees/ond130201f.pdf. Iron, manganese and magnesium have similar symptoms. https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/ENVIRON/mineraldef.html
For the notching, it's most likely root weevils but before any pesticide use, you want to positively identify the pest. In the case of root weevils, they are active at night so getting out with a flashlight is helpful https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/azalea-rhododendron-root-weevil
The pests may be active but with cold weather coming they may be less active https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/common/landscape-root-weevil
Dear Sara:
Thank you for your incredibly informative and helpful response. I am still taking it all in. When it warms up a little, I will do root weevil hunting at night to confirm whether they are the culprits on the notching. I am going to have the soil tested for pH and nutrients. I must admit to being surprised by boron deficiency as a possible cause of the yellowing. That was definitely not something I had considered.
With great appreciation,
Andrew
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 6:22 PM
To: Andrew VanDerZanden <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Grandiflora Catawba Rhododendron Problems (#0127086)