Rhododendron loosing its leaves ??

[utterlydiy]

I've a Rhododendron in a large pot which we've had for some 5 years. It is potted with the recommended compost for these plants and drainage at the base.

Recently all the lower leaves are turning yellow/brown and are dropping off. The plant has been very healthy full of leaves and flowers, and is showing signs of a second show of buds.

Thinking it may be the wet weather we've had, I've moved the pot to an area where its sheltered from any further wet weather.

But the leaves are still dropping. Would this be a lack of Iron. ??

Any Ideas please ????

thanks

 

[theoutlaw]

Maybe autum is on the way
Seriously though It could be a lack of acid in the soil, The PH should be about 4.5-5.5
I think, (please check this out first)my grandad used to put a bit of lime in the soil around them. You can get Ericaceae feed from most garden centres.

Tony

 

[Symptoms]

utterly - 5 years in the same pot - root-bound maybe? Ease it out to check (roll the pot onto its side & pull - save doing your back in by upwards lifting). Maybe time to upgrade the size, use new Ericaceous Compost. If not pot-bound follow Outlaw's advice with an Ericaceous feed - have you been giving it this stuff regularly in the past?

 

[2scoops0406]

Classic symptom of magnesium deficiency, certainly a re pot is a good idea, also, water with rain water with 3-4 tablespoons of epsom salts should help.

eek!! Lime no, no, no !!!

 

[theoutlaw]

eek!! Lime no, no, no !!!

Thats why I said check first

Tony

 

[utterlydiy]

I think, (please check this out first)my grandad used to put a bit of lime in the soil around them.
Tony

I thought it was wrong Acid/Lime ?? Lime is alkaline.

Thanks all for the advice given.

My wife went to the local Garden centre and they told her the soil is spent of all the goodness, so it needs new soil. which we shall do tomorrow.

thanks again