Have your Rhododendron’s leaves taken on a yellow veined look? Does it look like something is sucking the green right out of the foliage? It’s Chlorosis, a very treatable disease that plagues Rhodies who live in alkaline rich soils.
Rhododendrons prefer to live in acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0. Chances are your soil is riding high in the pH levels. Like many of us, you may have planted your Rhodies along the foundation of your home. The problem is the concrete foundation leeches lime into its surrounding soil. That alone will raise the alkalinity. Some of us my live in climates that have naturally occurring alkaline soil and need to fix our dirt with plant food made for acid lovers. Then again, some of those plants are old and the soil has grown a little lean. That’s when Rhododendron food and a little compost can save the day.
Since your tackling your Rhododendron, you may as well do a little pruning. Cut away any branches that are dragging on the ground, broken, or dead. Rake up all of those old leaves under the plant and pull any weeds.
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Add some compost to the base of your Rhododendron. You will need a small bag (1 cubic foot) or a large bag (3 cubic feet) depending on the size, age, and soil quality. You want to keep the compost or any mulch away from the trunk of the plant (or any tree, shrub, or perennial), because piling any moisture retaining product will rot the base of the plant, cutting of its ability to pull water up to its leaves. Simply put: it's a long slow death, so don't do it.
Sprinkle some of that iron into the compost. How much iron depends on the product you choose and the size of the plant, so read the instructions on the bottle.
Fertilize, but not now. Rhododendrons set buds for next years growth right after they're done blooming. Fertilizing just after the flowers fade will give you the best results. It's also the best time to prune your Rhododendrons if you're trying to reduce the size or shape the plant. Once again, follow the instructions on the fertilizer's package.
Tips & Warnings
My favorite Rhododendron fertilizer is Whitney Farms Life Link for Azalea, Camellia, and Rhododendron. It's organic and 100% slow release. Slow release means the food stays around long enough for your plant to use it, rather than washing right through the soil and into our drinking water.
Other plants that love acidic fertilizers: Blueberries, Hydrangeas, Strawberries, Ferns, Conifers, Camellias, and Azaleas.
Always read the label and follow the instructions before using any fertilizer or garden chemical.
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