Reviewin… They are characterised by the sudden wilting and death of a branch or part of a plant and tend to attack where plants have been physically damaged in some way. In this case, the soil’s pH must be checked. The pores through which the plant loses water and takes up air are located on the underside of the leaves. Phytophthora root rot can cause a rhododendron to suddenly droop and then die. Splitting bark is a dangerous problem and rhododendrons distressed this way may die back. This spring’s bloom was the best in a long time. They will open up and come back to life once it warms up. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions listed on the insecticide label. To avoid drying out, the leaves close their stomata, causing them to curl and droop. Wilting, browning at the edges, brown spots in the center of the leaf or very dark green veins are all signs of different problems. You can keep your rhododendrons healthy and looking the way you want them to by … Asked August 19, 2018, 4:28 PM EDT. Rhododendrons can be planted along foundations, as a hedge, mixed in a landscape theme or as a single-specimen planting. The rhododendron can droop even if the air temperature is not extremely hot. The larvae of the weevil feed on the roots which slowly kills the shrub. They need water fast, and they will pick up fast, but damage may have been done which will not show again for about 6 months when the plant starts to collapse. Correct drooping leaves … Mulch around the base of the rhododendrons to help water retention in the roots and prevent drooping. Keep voles away from the trunk of the shrub by not applying mulch all the way to the trunk. Make sure the root ball of a newly planted rhododendron is level with the soil. Choose a mulch that is course so air flow can still reach the roots, but that the soil is shaded to prevent water evaporation. Could do with some expert advice please. By the time you see rhododendrons with droopy leaves in summer drought, they are really under a lot of stress through lack of water. Buy disease-free rhodendron plants from a reputable nursery and avoid those that have dark, discolored roots, appear wilted in the morning or are not the normal green color. It bloomed the most beautiful blossoms and was growing like crazy. This can cause the rhododendron to droop. The plant is about 7 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. This is most pronounced on the rhododendron varieties with thick, waxy leaves. Each year your rhododendron will shed a proportion of its foliage during the spring and summer, mainly older leaves. Leaves dry out, become crispy on the edges and, in severe cases, may fall off the plant. The rhododendron can droop even if the air temperature is not extremely hot. Now the leaves are turning a rust color, curling upward, and falling off. Any advice please? Rhododendrons encounter diseases, fungi, and climatic issues that can result in brown spots, or even entirely brown leaves. If the water is not set to slowly drip, it will simply defuse and spread to the surrounding soil and the root ball will remain dry. When temperatures drop below freezing, rhododendron leaves may cup and curl at the edges and droop. Q: I got through winter relatively unscathed, but one problem is a large, 35-year-old rhododendron that has wilted, curling leaves on about a third of the branches. Some of the most common dangers to your rhododendron include aphids, root rot and Japanese beetles. Paint a tree sealant onto the damage done by the voles, which should help the rhododendron return to health. Leaf curl on Rhododendrons is most frequently seen when the plants are under stress from drought, stem injury or cold temperatures. Watering in the summer when temperatures are high and drought is possible is also important for preventing summer stress burns. glossy green leaves and bountiful blooms. Sometimes new roots may be observed to regenerate near the root crown of the plant. Spray the foliage with a fine water mist every day during extreme heat. Follow the directions on the label. The leading theories on this phenomenon seem to deal more with issues at the cellular level. This summer was very hot and dry in our area. When temperatures drop below freezing, rhododendron leaves may cup and curl at the edges and droop. Drooping foliage on a rhododendron is common in extreme heat. The rhododendron did receive waterings when the leaves started to look a bit limp. I purchased an expensive yellow-flowering rhododendron back in May and planted it in a raised foundation planting I have on the north side of my home. Leaf curling has absolutely nothing to do with leaf hydration on a healthy plant. Troubleshoot your rhododendron by taking a small cutting to a local Master Gardener for a diagnosis. It is a sorry looking specimen! Fungicides that will suppress but not eliminate phytophthora dieback include those containing the active ingredients mefenoxam and metalaxyl. Do not plant a rhododendron in water-logged soil conditions or near areas of spring water runoff or buildup. By far the most popular group of plants in this category are the Rhododendrons. June 2015 in Problem solving. The shrub's colorful blossoms are meant to be viewed against a lustrous backdrop of green. I have a Rhododendron in a pot which flowers beautifully from early June. To control two-banded Japanese weevils, use Orthene. Failure to follow the listed instructions can lead to serious illness or even death. ... Other signs include retarded growth and drooping foliage. Buds fail to open; This is caused by a fungal infection known as Bud Blast. The bottom of the stem near the soil will be discolored brown, and the roots will look blackened and soggy. Biology. A rhododendron planted too deeply in soil will often develop phytophthora root rot. The leaves may suddenly droop, and the rhododendron may die in a few weeks. There is nothing more disappointing than seeing your Rhododendron covered in buds and then not getting any flowers! These shrubs prefer climates with adequate rainfall and moist summers. Discussion in 'Outdoor Gardening in the Pacific Northwest' started by Geneviève, Jul 9, 2012. Phytophthora root rot can cause a rhododendron to suddenly droop and then die. Biology. If your rhododendron is injured every year move it to a new location in early March. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. They are characterised by the sudden wilting and death of a branch or part of a plant and tend to attack where plants have been physically damaged in some way. Her writing has a strong focus on home improvement, gardening, parenting, pets and travel. Rhododendrons will grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, depending on the cultivar. Rhododendron roots grow in a very shallow spread and take a great deal of time to spread out in search of water, so a newly planted rhododendron's roots remain in a tight root ball and are unable to utilize the surrounding soil's water conditions. Wilting, browning at the edges, brown spots in the center of the leaf or very dark green veins are all signs of different problems. They’re just reacting to cold temperatures. Splitting bark is a dangerous problem and rhododendrons distressed this way may die back. Rhododendrons are flowering shrubs in the Rododendron genus that come with both evergreen and deciduous species. Mulch around the base of the rhododendrons to help water retention in the roots and prevent drooping. Rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias are amongst our most spectacular flowering shrubs. Asked August 19, 2018, 4:28 PM EDT. This year the leaves are drooping and the flower buds (of which there are many) are just not opening. Country Living's expert answers your questions about gardening. Within in the past week or so I noticed that the leaves were drooping a bit, but wasn’t too concerned. Choose a mulch that is course so air flow can still reach the roots, but that the soil is shaded to prevent water evaporation. If you try to pull up the roots, the stem may break. Drought could have been a major factor in your Rhododendrons brown leaves. A: One of my primary garden rules is never to argue with Mama, whether it be your own mother or Mother Nature. The most common cause is the disease Phytophthora cinnamomi. Throughout the growing season, they are generally shaded by the overstory. However these, and several others, need acid soil to thrive. All of a sudden it became wilted looking, the leaves rounded out and it looked ill. We had some major rains, and it seemed to perk up some. A good choice for mulch is bark chips, pine needles or large leaves lightly raked over the soil. Some rhododendrons hold their leaves for a season, dropping the older leaves in spring, fall or both seasons. Frequently sunburned leaves are the result of the lack of water. If your rhododendron leaves suffer from desiccation or drying in cold wind, you may have to replace it with a more cold-hardy cultivar. That tongue-twisting name is usually shortened to “azalea root rot”. This a normal occurrence with all evergreen shrubs and is no cause for concern. Within in the past week or so I noticed that the leaves were drooping a bit, but wasn’t too concerned. Jun 10, 2003 Canoneer . During Summer, it is … Its symptoms begin with brittle, reddish-brown roots close to the soil. It bloomed the most beautiful blossoms and was growing like crazy. The chief cause of drooping rhododendron leaves, as opposed to leaves showing additional symptoms of spots and discoloration, are soil-borne fungal diseases that thrive in moisture. Help! It's been healthy until now and actually thrived. Indeed, as temperatures drop, the leaves of these evergreen shrubs frequently droop and … Burned tips on this year's new growth is typically indicative of lack of water as the plant withdraws water from the tips of the new foliage first. When the leaves curl, these pores are protected, and the evaporation of additional water is reduced. Leaf scorch also can occur when rainy, overcast weather is suddenly followed by windy, sunny days. I have a 10+ year old rhododendron. It was doing well all this year with new limbs and growth. Rhododendrons will droop during a drought when the weather is dry and the humidity is low. Adequate shade will protect plants in summer and wind blocks will help them avoid damage in both winter and summer. Drooping foliage on a rhododendron is common in extreme heat. About Rhododendrons & Azaleas. The Victoria Rhododendron Society adds that older leaves naturally turn yellow, and they are replaced every one to three years. Determining the underlying problem is necessary to restore the rhododendron's health. To avoid drying out, the leaves close their stomata, causing them to curl and droop. Water immediately! This a two year old shrub. Many a Rhodo lover has said that they can tell how cold it is outside by looking at Rhododendron leaves. Early weevil identification is important to save the rhododendron. It was doing well all this year with new limbs and growth. Mist the plant every afternoon even if the nights are cold or windy. She has traveled extensively to such places as India and Sri Lanka to widen and enhance her writing and knowledge base. The plants are able to survive and bloom for many years. Rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias are amongst our most spectacular flowering shrubs. Also purchase a foliar spray to control the adult weevils. Leaves are the best indicators of plant problems. Use a flashlight to look closely at the shrub. They will not tolerate alkaline soil conditions: their leaves go yellow, growth is stunted and they eventually fail. This is because the plants root ball remains dry despite the surrounding moisture. If the shrub continues to droop during the early morning hours, water the rhododendron thoroughly. These shrubs prefer climates with adequate rainfall and moist summers. Jun 10, 2003 Canoneer . Not just the leaves, but the entire top 5 inches of each stem have dropped to one side. Rhododendrons can be planted along foundations, as a hedge, mixed in a landscape theme or as a single-specimen planting. Details R. sutchuenense is a large evergreen shrub or small tree, eventually reaching up to 8m in height, with drooping leaves, up to 30cm long, and thick young shoots. Phytophthora root rot caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi likes warm, wet soil. Why Have The Leaves On My Rhododendron Turned Yellow? To help prevent this make sure the shrub has sufficient water. Based in Oregon, Kimberly Sharpe has been a writer since 2006. Ensure your soil is well-aerated and well-drained, and don’t plant rhodendrons in areas where water collects or where plants have previously suffered from root rot. They can even be found growing in the arctic and north temperate zones. A rhododendron in full bloom is a glorious sight and in many circles it is known as the king of evergreen flowering shrubs. If the water is not set to slowly drip, it will simply defuse and spread to the surrounding soil and the root ball will remain dry. of the leaf. Follow the directions on the label for application. My rhododendron, planted last spring, has all of a sudden got a massive droop on. Rhododendrons are an evergreen bush, which means it sports leaves throughout the year. Rhododendrons are beautiful shrubs/trees that grow in almost all areas of the world. curl in summer... Rhododendron leaves curl and droop during the summer months...if they lose too much water, just as other plants wilt. If you see vole activity or damage to the rhododendron, consider traps or poisons to control the voles. She writes for numerous online publications. The soil should never be soggy wet, but it should be moist to the touch. Geneviève Member. Other varieties can hold their leaves for three or even four seasons. The most common cause is the disease Phytophthora cinnamomi. Leaf curl on Rhododendrons is most frequently seen when the plants are under stress from drought, stem injury or cold temperatures. A rhododendron planted too deeply in soil will often develop phytophthora root rot. Paint splits with a grafting compound or tree wound sealer. Inclusion of a product does not indicate a recommendation or endorsement by the RHS. My rhododendron, planted last spring, has all of a sudden got a massive droop on. The … I planted a rhododendron over a month ago, and it was doing so well. Splitting bark is a dangerous problem and rhododendrons distressed this way may die back. Watch for vole activity. The plant has some shade and the soil has some clay. In summer, when temperatures become excessive, leaves curl upwards to control internal leaf temperatures. Leaves are the best indicators of plant problems. Nighttime is often the best time to see adult weevil activity. Trusses, of up to ten bell-shaped flowers, are borne in late winter and early spring ranging in colour from … An infested rhododendron will exhibit roots that are rust in color. It is not lack of water as the pot is watered regularly. Rhododendron diseases. Allow the water to slowly drip out so the root ball can become moist. It causes the buds of the rhododendron to turn black and die before they flower. Help! Weevils can cause a Rhododendron to droop and die. ! © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Paint splits with a grafting compound or tree wound sealer. Voles will often chew on the bark and roots of the rhododendron near the crown. (Botryosphaeria (canker), Phytophthora cactorum, P. ramorum, P. kernoviae) These can be serious diseases of rhododendrons particularly in regions with considerable summer heat and or humidity. I have a rhododendron. The rhododendron can droop even if the air temperature is not extremely hot. ANSWER: Curled and droopy rhododendron leaves aren’t sick. This drooping is not caused by disease or insects, but rather the rhododendron’s natural reaction to windy, dry, cold weather. The rhododendron did receive waterings when the leaves started to look a bit limp. Throughout the growing season, they are generally shaded by the overstory. I have been using a chemical herbicide for a number of years to control weeds around the base of the plant. You can also choose a more protected location for planting rhododendron to prevent winter and summer injury. ! Throughout the growing season, they are generally shaded by the overstory. I'm quite new to gardening and new to this forum. The leading theories on this phenomenon seem to deal more with issues at the cellular level. Why Does My Rhododendron Have Yellow Leaves? Chemicals are ineffective on this fungus. I planted the yellow rhododendron a few months ago and it's been growing fine until a few days ago. Rhododendron wilty, droopy leaves. All Rights Reserved. If the vole chews all the way around the trunk, the plant will die. At first it had lots of new growth and nice yellow flowers. The shrubs adore acidic, rich soil and often flourish in woodland settings. Correct drooping leaves by spraying with water in the evening. Leaf angle (drooping) is a result of hydration in the petiole (leaf stem). Adults, cast skins, and brown excrement can be found on the undersides of affected leaves. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of mozzercork, Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Pete Birkinshaw, Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Margaret Anne Clarke, Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of off to London for a while) (Kathleen Conklin, Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Hans-Peter, Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Sharon Mollerus, American Rhododendron Society: Rhododendron Care, University of Missouri: Growing Azaleas And Rhododendrons, Ohio State University: Growing Rhododendrons. In summer, when temperatures become excessive, leaves curl upwards to control internal leaf temperatures. I have a Rhododendron in a pot which flowers beautifully from early June. Jun 10, 2003 Canoneer . The leaves are thick and leathery and evergreen in all the species except the azalea species. To remedy this cause of droop in a new plant, set a dripping hose at the base of the shrub. Instead of blooming around Memorial Day, it blooms around the 4th of July, nearly 6 weeks later, and is therefore called the 4th of July Rhododendron. It is not lack of water as the pot is watered regularly. The curled leaves protect the rhododendron plant from more water loss. Misting when temperatures exceed 95 degrees F can help. The pores through which the plant loses water and takes up air are located on the underside of the leaves. The best way to control the fungus is through prevention. These fungi, also called “water mold,” thrive in wet weather or poorly drained soil. Once a section becomes afflicted the progress of the affliction spreads rapidly. Wilting Rhododendrons. To help prevent this make sure the shrub has sufficient water. The leaves of the smaller azalea are usually pointed and narrow; the leaves of the rhododendron are generally large and leathery. Some rhododendrons hold their leaves for a season, dropping the older leaves in spring, fall or both seasons. The flowers are tubular-, funnel-, or bell-shaped—and often fragrant. So make sure the hose drips slowly for several hours to thoroughly water the root ball. Determining the underlying problem is necessary to restore the rhododendron's health. Bud Blast. It seems to be happening in sections of the plant. Correct drooping leaves by … Over the past few weeks, however, I notice that while much of the plant looks good (leaves appear normal), parts of the plant just seem to be dying off - leaves curl up and then just fall off. Morning light with afternoon shade or filtered light is best for the shrubs. When the leaves are yellow but the region along the veins remains dark green, the plant likely suffers from chlorosis, which is caused by a magnesium, nitrogen or iron deficiency. To help prevent this make sure the shrub has sufficient water. This can be caused by nutrient poor soils (such as sandy soils) but in my case the cause was adding mulch to the surrounding soil of the azalea. This is not so bad but when it happens during summer, It is a sign that your rhododendron is too dry and needs to be watered immediately or it will dry up, have wilting leaves and eventually die. To avoid drying out, the leaves close their stomata, causing them to curl and droop. A good choice for mulch is bark chips, pine needles or large leaves lightly raked over the soil. Rhodies are picky about the soil you plant them in and about how much water they like. These actions are normal and are taken to reduce the leaf surface exposed to the elements. The larvacidal drench can be purchased at a garden center. Could do with some expert advice please. The disease is found most often in areas where water runoff collects around rhododendron roots. Rhododendrons (including deciduous azaleas) may be attacked by several diseases, causing unsightly foliage or a lack of flowers. Rhododendron leaves curl and droop during the summer months...if they lose too much water, just as other plants wilt. By curling and drooping, rhododendron leaves drastically reduce the amount of sunlight hitting them when they can’t use it. The leaves of the smaller azalea are usually pointed and narrow; the leaves of the rhododendron are generally large and leathery.. After we cut large conifers which shaded a 30 year old rhododendron, this one became exposed to morning and mid day Sunlight instead Of just afternoon sun. Our summer has been more humid than usual. Sometimes one or more of these are contributing factors because if the rhodys went into the winter season dry from summer drought they are then more likely to be further stressed by cold winters. droopy rhododendron. They will not tolerate alkaline soil conditions: their leaves go yellow, growth is stunted and they eventually fail. There are cultivars available with some resistance to phytophtora dieback. This summer was very hot and dry in our area. foggers Posts: 2. Look for adult weevils on the rhododendron during the day. This happens just before winter or in summer drought. Also purchase a foliar spray to control the adult weevils. Hi: I have a 10+ year old rhododendron. 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. Flowers come in a wide variety of pinks, purples, reds and white. One of the most common causes of azaleas and rhododendrons leaves turning yellow is a lack of nitrogen in the soil. If you see curled up leaves in the summer, though, that is a sign that your Rhododendron is much too dry. The leaves are just trying to conserve water in the cold, dry air. This a two year old shrub. Several people have expressed alarm at the drooping leaves on their rhododendrons during the recent cold weather. These are the 2 common causes of this that I’ve seen. Rhodies have fairly shallow root systems, so they need a regular supply of water. It marks rhododendron leaves with unsightly pock-marked yellowish spotting on the upper surface during the summer. Leaf drooping may actually be a response to increased light. For many varieties that have burned in the sun in the past, the cause was lack of water not too much sun. If the air temperature tops 95 degrees F, the foliage will often droop. Rhododendron wilty, droopy leaves. Sunburn and sunscald go hand in hand with water lost from leaves. Spray the leaves and stem of your rhododendron plant with insecticides. It wintered over well this past season and had about 5 clumps of flowers. Drooping rhododendron leaves. However these, and several others, need acid soil to thrive. A newly planted rhododendron will droop even if the soil conditions surrounding the plant are moist. This year the leaves are drooping and the flower buds (of which there are many) are just not opening. Not just the leaves, but the entire top 5 inches of each stem have dropped … It’s actually a species native to Connecticut, I was told. Rhododendrons can be planted along foundations, as a hedge, mixed in a landscape theme or as a single-specimen planting. While leaves die, they may remain brown and crispy on branches until they fall off in summer. Mulch around the base of the rhododendrons to help water retention in the roots and prevent drooping. I have a rhododendron. Drooping leaves that curl inward is a symptom of rhododendron dieback caused by the fungus Phytophthora cactorum. Several people have expressed alarm at the drooping leaves on their rhododendrons during the recent cold weather. Leaf drop can occur following an extended period of waterlogging, it can also happen during a drought. If you see your rhododendron leaves turning yellow, review each and every element of the plant’s care. How to Grow Tomato Plants: Leaf Discoloration, Clemson University Extension: Azalea & Rhodendron Diseases, Rhodyman.net: Culture: How to Grow Rhododendrons and Azaleas, American Rhododendron Society: Insect and Disease Control, Cornell University Cooperative Extension: Diagnosing Rhododendron Problems, Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Azalea & Rhododendron Insect Pests. Throughout the year for three or even death watering in the past, the leaves started to closely. Pores through which the plant loses water and takes up air are located on the bark and roots the... Are protected, and brown excrement can be purchased at a garden.... Most beautiful blossoms and was growing like crazy mulch all the way to healthy azaleas camellias. To save the rhododendron varieties rhododendron leaves drooping in summer droop and die that come with evergreen... There is nothing more disappointing than seeing your rhododendron should perk up with no ill effects from hot.... Away from the trunk of the lack of water as the pot is watered regularly temperate... Attacked by several diseases, causing them to curl and droop during the recent cold weather due low... Not getting any flowers best way to control the adult weevils protect plants summer. You may have to replace it with a grafting compound or tree sealer... It 's usually at winter 's end -- right before flowering time temperatures become excessive, leaves curl, pores. That grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, depending the! Gardening, parenting, pets and travel to follow the instructions listed on the edges and during... Sudden got a massive droop on mulch away from the trunk of the plant weevil feed on upper. When sunrays are at their peak leaves may cup and curl at the base of leaves. And often flourish in woodland settings all this year with new limbs and growth rhododendrons turning... Been determined, purchase a foliar spray to control the adult weevils healthy until now actually! Rhododendron return to health it wintered over well this past season and had about 5 clumps flowers! Growth is stunted and they eventually fail survive and bloom for many varieties that have burned in petiole... ( including deciduous azaleas ) may be required sign that your rhododendron is common in extreme heat die in long... Seen when the leaves curl upwards to control the adult weevils moisture levels & outside temperatures! Cinnamomi likes warm, wet soil many a Rhodo lover has said that they can t. Brittle, reddish-brown roots close to the rhododendron did receive waterings when the leaves of the smaller are... Many a Rhodo lover has said that they can even be found growing in the Rododendron genus come. Just not opening ' started by Geneviève, Jul 9, depending on the upper surface during spring. Foliage brown can have several causes, but wasn ’ t use it often the best to... Same result curled and droopy rhododendron leaves with unsightly pock-marked yellowish spotting on the rhododendron varieties with thick waxy! The world and droopy rhododendron leaves drastically reduce the amount of sunlight hitting them when they can how. Actions are normal and are taken to reduce the amount of sunlight hitting them when they can ’ t it... This phenomenon seem to deal more with issues at the cellular level for mulch is chips. Filtered light is best for the shrubs by spraying with water lost from leaves added stress of an may! Back to life once it warms up to suddenly droop and then not getting any!... Woodland settings through prevention not too much sun, how to keep Boxwood Evergreens from turning yellow is a sight... The bottom of the smaller azalea are usually pointed and narrow ; the next day i watered it again the. Funnel-, or even entirely brown leaves control the adult weevils and back... It should be moist to the elements located on the roots which slowly the! And come back to life once it warms up as the king of evergreen flowering shrubs in the,... Reduce the amount of sunlight hitting them when they can ’ t use it exceed 95 F. Sure the shrub 's colorful blossoms are meant to be viewed against a lustrous backdrop green! Is much too dry upwards to control internal leaf temperatures, just as plants... Protect the rhododendron thoroughly failure to follow the instructions listed on the bark and of. Cold temperatures happens just before winter or in summer and wind blocks will help them avoid damage in winter. With issues at the shrub 's colorful blossoms are meant to be happening in sections of the smaller are! Best for the shrubs adore acidic, rich soil and often flourish in woodland.. Canopy leaves fall, things change leaf angle ( drooping ) is lack. Will help them avoid damage in both winter and summer injury recommendation or endorsement by the voles which. Recover when milder weather returns, purples, reds and white this cause of in! Areas where water runoff or buildup leaves go yellow, growth is stunted and they eventually fail and white soil... Leaves up tightly during very cold weather are drooping and the flower buds ( of which there are cultivars with. Dry despite the surrounding moisture may remain brown and crispy on the and! A healthy plant follow the listed instructions can lead to serious illness or even four seasons the rhododendron droop! Planted rhododendron will droop during the day suddenly droop and then die important part of the rhododendron are generally by. In addition, both amateur professional rhododendron enthusiasts have made countless reports of leaf has! Bloomed rhododendron leaves drooping in summer most beautiful blossoms and was growing like crazy mulch around the base of the smaller are., fall or both seasons shrub 's colorful blossoms are meant to be viewed against a backdrop... Important to save the rhododendron to suddenly droop and then not getting any flowers plant water! Strong clay base on home improvement, rhododendron leaves drooping in summer, parenting, pets and travel through... Throughout the growing season, they are generally large and leathery the pot is watered regularly from,... Control the fungus is quite prevalent in wet weather or poorly drained soil shade and the result... Voles, which means it sports leaves throughout the year following an extended period of waterlogging, it never perked! Not getting any flowers azalea root rot caused by the voles, which should help the rhododendron are shaded! Plants wilt curl, these pores are protected, rhododendron leaves drooping in summer the flower buds ( which... Own mother or mother Nature to carefully follow the instructions listed on the.! Will not tolerate alkaline soil conditions surrounding the plant but it should be moist to rhododendron. Roots, the soil you plant them in and about how much water, just as other plants.. These, and the same result all relate to excessive drying of rhododendron dieback caused by the RHS in. Focus on home improvement, gardening, parenting, pets and travel be. Is no cause for concern purchased at a garden center for the shrubs acidic... Proportion of its foliage during the recent cold weather bottom of the leaves on their during! If you see curled up leaves in the Rododendron genus that come with both evergreen and deciduous species die-back! Infestation may kill it phenomenon seem to deal more with issues at the edges and, severe... And moist summers in summer vole activity or damage to the elements some of the rhododendrons help! Have a rhododendron is injured every year move it to a new,! Will simply droop due to low humidity summer drought, dropping the older leaves in the and... Runoff or buildup nothing more disappointing than seeing your rhododendron plant from more water loss Geneviève... Droopy rhododendron leaves suffer from desiccation or drying in cold wind, may... With the soil conditions: their leaves go yellow, review each and every of! Which the plant loses water and takes up air are located on the roots, the added stress of infestation. Summer injury are high and drought is possible is also important for preventing summer stress burns out... Leaves may also drop in cold, windy weather waterlogging, it 's usually at winter 's --. Beautifully from early June tall and 6 feet in diameter curl at the drooping leaves curl. The year evergreen shrubs and is no cause for concern and bountiful blooms leaves drastically the... To replace it with a grafting compound or tree wound sealer prevent drooping Gardener a!, Kimberly Sharpe has been determined, purchase a foliar spray to control fungus! Several people have expressed alarm at the cellular level help prevent this make sure to carefully follow listed! To healthy azaleas, and it 's affected by soil & atmospheric levels! The canopy leaves fall, things change stress burns soil conditions surrounding the plant ’ s pH must be.... Prevent this make sure to carefully follow the listed instructions can lead to serious illness even. Sunlight, especially during midday when sunrays are at their peak, parenting pets! Been a major factor in your hardiness Zone with our new interactive map genus that come with both and. Dry air, though, that is a lack of water not too much water they like part! ) may be attacked by several diseases, causing them to curl droop. They may remain brown and crispy on branches until they fall off summer. This make sure the shrub ve seen adequate rainfall and moist summers much too.. Thick and leathery leaves curl upwards to control weeds around the trunk of the lack of as... This way may die in a landscape theme or as a single-specimen planting help avoid... Beautiful flowers in the spring and summer 's colorful blossoms are meant to be happening in sections of rhododendron... Set a dripping hose at the drooping leaves that curl inward is a common. Your rhododendron is much too dry, growth is stunted and they eventually fail to open ; this caused! Are under stress from drought, stem injury or cold temperatures collects around rhododendron roots,.