Transplanted rhododendron is very yellow!

6 years ago

Hello. I have 2 rhododendrons in my front yard that I planted last summer (eastern Massachusetts, zone 6b). The spot they are in gets full sun all day. The smaller one is a Boursault Rhododendron bought from a nursery, and the leaves look a little lighter in color than most rhodies I see. However the larger one, which was transplanted from a house around the corner at the same time, is very pale green/yellow. I'm not sure what kind it is - the blooms looked identical to the Boursault's in color but were much smaller and came in a few weeks after. They both were planted shallow and I don't think depth is the issue. I did a soil test last September in a different bed that came back as pH 6.5, so not sure how much it differs throughout a yard but can test this bed too if that might be the problem.

My main question is whether this is common for transplanted rhodies and can it be fixed? Or is this more likely because of the full sun conditions and should I consider moving them to somewhere else? Many people in my neighborhood have rhodies and even those that are also in full sun look beautiful and dark green, so not sure what's going on here!

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

6 years ago

A pH of 6.5 is a little high for rhodies. And both are planted fairly close to the foundation, which could be leaching some lime and raising pH.

You might want to look at increasing soil acidity in that area. In the meantime, an application of chelated iron should green things up.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 years ago
they dont look very yellow to me ... but it might be a camera trick ...

full sun on rhodies.. especially in a brick corner.. might just be too much for recent transplants that are not fully established ...

dig a few small holes with a hand trowel ... and FIND OUT about water 3 to 6 inches down.. where the roots are ... and adjust watering if need be ...

ken
Related Professionals
Pensacola Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Baton Rouge Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Spokane Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Cambridge Landscape Contractors · Vancouver Landscape Contractors · Abilene Home Builders · New Braunfels Home Builders · Saginaw Home Builders · Amarillo Home Builders · Miami Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Albany Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · San Diego Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Rapid City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Moline Landscape Contractors · Martinsburg Home Additions
dlk555
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks! I’ll try that. I tested the soil right by the rhodie and it was also 6.5. Here’s a closer picture of the leaves too. The new growth is a much brighter green than the older leaves, for comparison.
Embothrium
6 years ago
When hollies have green new growth and yellowing previous year leaves in summer it means they are nitrogen deficient, are concentrating what nitrogen they still have in them in the newest set before dropping the older. So I think you may be seeing the same thing with your rhododendrons.
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Right next to a brick wall is a poor spot for planting - hot, hot, hot. Move them out away a bit. Especially the one in the corner.
dlk555
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks all! Super helpful. I tested the nitrogen as well and not surprised it came back as deficient. I will try these suggestions! If I do end up needing to place them somewhere else, is there anything evergreen that WOULD be suitable for this spot?
dlk555
Original Author
5 years ago
Just an update...here is how it looks now. I've been working with a local nursery on identifying the problem, and we think it is because of too much sun exposure given the browning and unique patterns of the yellow splotches (some of them have outlines that follow where other leaves are blocking them). They recommended using miracle grow weekly throughout the summer to give it some iron (which didn't really help), and next to try soil acidifier and holly tone this fall. Otherwise, I think it will just need to be moved to a shadier spot!
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
5 years ago
no soil amendment.. is going to make FAST changes ... and probably wont HEAL already damaged leaves ...

and im not sure moving it.. stressing it again.. will solve anything .. that might be considered loving it to death ...

i note that all the tips .. say from 6 inches to the buds.. looks just fine ... so im wondering if you havent already solved the issue.. including getting past transplant shock ... and there isnt any ongoing issue ...

ken

ps: when you moved it.. did you significantly change the amount of sun hitting the leaves ... in other words.. could sunburn have been an issue???
dlk555
Original Author
5 years ago
Okay, thanks - that's good to keep in mind! Yes, all the new growth looks fine...but the yellowing/browning on the other leaves didn't happen until this summer and it was transplanted last fall (I'm not sure how long transplant shock would affect a plant?). But yes, it was moved from a fairly shady spot at a nearby house to what is now full sun all afternoon. I think sunburn could very well be the issue, though the one I planted from a pot at the same time had maybe 2-3 leaves yellow but nothing like this transplanted one.