Leaves Of Pjm Rhododendron - Knowledgebase Question - Garden.org

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Westford, VT

Question by rudy22
October 14, 2002

I planted a pjm rhododendron in Sept. A lot of the leaves are turning a nice red, but some are falling off (most of the red leaves are the "under leaves" not turning near the flower tips yet). Will new leaves grow next spring where the old ones fell off? Long bare branches will look strange?! Thanks for any help!

Answer from NGA
October 14, 2002

Uploaded by Newyorkrita The foliage will naturally turn red in fall in this group of rhododendrons, but it is an evergreen meaning the leaves should stay on all winter. In shadier situations, the plant may eventually lose some lower leaves simply due to lack of light, this would be a normal occurrence during the adjustment process. If the plant was very dense and grown in full sun when purchased and is now in a shady spot, this could be a possible explanation. They may also naturally lose some leaves at the base as they grow. Another common explanation would be overwatering, in that the soil should be kept evenly moist but never soggy. To tell if and when you need to water, dig down a bit and check the soil with your finger. Make sure it is not planted in a low spot or extra wet location in rainy times as well. A layer of several inches of organic mulch such as shredded bark is also a good idea to help keep the soil more evenly moist. Too deep a layer however can cause the roots to suffer a lack of air and consequently grow up into the mulch making the plant more susceptible to drought and cold. Finally, it is always a good idea to pick up and remove any fallen leaves, just in case there is an insect or disease problem at work. If the defoliation is extensive, I would suggest taking a sample as well as some photos of the overall plant for consultation with professionally trained nursery staff, preferable someone with a depth of experience in growing this type of plant. Good luck with your PJM!

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