Can this PJM Rhodi be saved? - Ask Extension
I have a PJM Rhododendron that was planted in 2020 and did fine until last year and this year, when I now only get a few blooms at the top. The botto...
Knowledgebase
Can this PJM Rhodi be saved? #865519
Asked April 22, 2024, 9:40 PM EDT
I have a PJM Rhododendron that was planted in 2020 and did fine until last year and this year, when I now only get a few blooms at the top. The bottom areas seem to be dead, but the top areas seem to be fine. Suggestions to see if it can be saved - should I prune hard and see how it grows next year? Fertilizer recommendations?
Berrien County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Liz -
I found a link for you that will explain the conditions for your PJM Rhododendrons. It sounds as if you might have a problem with roots. I see that you are in Berrien county. I know that the soil there usually has an acid pH. Is your soil also sandy? Did you plant the PJM or did someone do it for you? I ask this because sometimes with new plants, their root ball is covered with burlap. In sandy soil the burlap doesn't always deteriorate like they say it will. I would cut back these plants after they flower. I would do a soil test to see what your soil pH is. (Kits are available at your county Extension office). After you find what the pH is, you should be able to amend the soil to give you the acidic pH that PJMs love. Check out the link. I hope this helps.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/
rhododendron-pjm-group/
I found a link for you that will explain the conditions for your PJM Rhododendrons. It sounds as if you might have a problem with roots. I see that you are in Berrien county. I know that the soil there usually has an acid pH. Is your soil also sandy? Did you plant the PJM or did someone do it for you? I ask this because sometimes with new plants, their root ball is covered with burlap. In sandy soil the burlap doesn't always deteriorate like they say it will. I would cut back these plants after they flower. I would do a soil test to see what your soil pH is. (Kits are available at your county Extension office). After you find what the pH is, you should be able to amend the soil to give you the acidic pH that PJMs love. Check out the link. I hope this helps.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/
rhododendron-pjm-group/
Thank you - i will test the soil for pH. I also suspect I may have a drainage issue after reading the link you attached. Sounds like i have some investigation/work to do. Thanks again!
