What do I do?

This looks to me like a common occurrence when Rhodo's are exposed to drying winter winds. It's a greater problem when in a sunny situation as well. I've had large leaf Rhodo's exposed to full sun but well protected on 2 sides from the wind. They experienced this sort of burn only occasionally. I'd guess those burned areas on yours may or may not send out new leaves. I'd leave them alone and you should know in a few months.

Is the Rhody fairly small? If so you could move it to a more protected location. If you really want it to stay where it is you can spray it every autumn with an anti-dessicant.

Thanks Evan!

It's just another effect of the polar vortex, I guess. We did have record cold and high winds during some of that. It's gotten through past winters just fine. I'll just leave it alone, I think.

Here's hoping those branches send out new leaves.

Should I trim off the dead stuff?

I see this all the time during the spring clean-up season (Everyone grows these up here...everyone). Very common. I find that it is often better to cut away the dead/wind burned looking areas. The plant seems have an easier time sending up all new growth rather than fighting to keep those sections going. It's hard to kill a rhoddy without uprooting them...but those burned up areas I've seen persist year after year sometimes and then when they do get cut away it leaves a big gap in the overall shape of the shrub that takes a lot longer to fill back in again.


Something you can look for...is there any buds forming at the tops of the burned out sections? They should at this time of year if they are going to send out leaves or flowers. If not, definitely cut those sections out now, as they are probably too far gone to save. If so, give it some time and see what it does when it gets a bit warmer.

Aha, thanks!

Even though I grew up in Seattle (Rhody is the state flower of WA), , I've never had my own before.

Went out & glanced at it... some of the burned branches have buds, some don't. So I'll have to be judicious.

A nice Rhody that handles sun and wind even better are the PJM's. They were developed at Weston Nurseries and are smaller leaved and more compact overall. Many varieties turn a nice green bronze overwinter...although I've heard some say they look brown, as in dead. I like them and like Rob said,

robertduval14 said:(Everyone grows these up here...everyone).

http://www.missouribotanicalga...

I have to say I'm surprised to read MOBOT's statements about them being so sensitive to sun. This is a gas station shrub around here.