There can be a number of reasons for these symptoms. It can be a response to very cold weather, drought or an indication of a possible root rot, Phytophthora.

We can probably eliminate the cold at this time of year :-) I'd look first to drought stress - large, established rhododendrons in my area are only just now looking somewhat normal with some decent rainfall after an excessively dry summer. They all looked like that !!

It could also be the root rot but that is a water mold that is encouraged by poor drainage or excessively moist soil. You would best be able to determine if that was the case in this situation. This is obviously the most serious cause and generally is fatal if contracted. The curling, drooping will not recover and the plant will eventually die.

We have had a five year drought, but this past winer of 2016-17 we had normal rainfall. Generally there is more new growth than during the drought, but still these end stem droops. We have had very hot weather lately, so have had a soaker on it at times- not more often than once every two weeks. So... hopefully I have not rotted it!

Is the root area mulched or bare ground?

We put mulch far away from the crown near the drip line of the plant in May this year.

The mulch should be over the roots and beyond so that it mimics nature with fallen leaves.

All problems go away with hard pruning. I honestly don't adore Rhodies. I prefer them far off a little.. I don't mean to sound like I am the Rhody cheerleader!! lol

Most rhododendrons grow too large to be used for foundation plants. I like them further away also, and I have a lot. Most are over 35 years old that I planted.

Any chance kids were climbing it and partially broke some branches?

We live on a "country" lane in a city and thus the rhodies are part of a rather small lot. I would like to do some hard pruning, but I am afraid to do it. There are now more branches on the top that are dying much like the branch in the photo. No kids do not climb on it. As I have said before it is shaded by a large gangly Japanese maple and the squirrels run all over both. If I do decide to hard prune it, I think I do after it blooms, correct?

There is something that is ailing the plant if more leaves are drooping now. Could be a disease; could be the ongoing results of an extended drought condition. Pruning will not necessarily help either one :-)

You really need to determine what is the cause of the plant looking so poorly. And then make your determination of what do after that info is in hand.

How do I determine what is causing this problem? That is what I am trying to do on this forum. I have received mixed messages from two "experts" that have looked at this rhodie!

We can do nothing more than guess, based on that small photo sample and nothing else. The best suggestion is take in branch samples (of a generous size) to your county extension office for a proper diagnosis. Photos of the entire plant help as well. Or if any local nurseries/garden centers staffed with trained horticulturists (not just sales people), you can try there also.

Thank you. The two people that have looked at this plant are master pruners, but they looked at it about 4 months ago before thee branches died. I will try to cut off a larger branch.

When it was more healthy in 2012!

Whoops wrong rhodie now I realize it is another one in our yard!

I just emailed my photos to the county agriculture help desk. I hope they can help me through the photos, but if not I will go in person.