
Do rhododendrons lose their leaves in the winter?
Rhododendrons are one type of evergreen known for their beautiful clusters of flowers. But do rhododendrons lose their leaves during the winter? Depending on the variety, rhododendrons may keep their leaves throughout the winter months. Don’t be too concerned though, if you’ve noticed that your plant has started to lose some of its leaves.
What is a PJM Rhododendron?
The PJM Rhododendron is an easy plant to grow, compared to most other rhododendrons. When you see it blooming away, welcoming spring into your cold garden, you will thank Peter and Ed for their creation, a fitting tribute to the gifts to this country that immigrants bring.
What is wrong with my Rhododendron?
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Rhododendrons are susceptible to insect and disease problems. Insect problems include aphids, borers, lacebugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips and whitefly. Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew.
How do you revive a dying Rhododendron?
Apply a 2 1/2-inch-thick layer of mulch, such as rotted leaves or bark, on the ground around a leaf scorch-afflicted rhododendron, but don't let the mulch touch the plant's stems. Water the mulch until the soil beneath it is evenly moist.
What are the problems with rhododendrons?
Is a rhododendron a shrub?

Do rhododendron leaves fall off?
Normal: While we think of rhododendrons as evergreen, they do drop leaves just as conifers periodically shed needles. Some rhododendrons hold their leaves for a season, dropping the older leaves in spring, fall or both seasons. Other varieties can hold their leaves for three or even four seasons.
Is PJM an rhododendron evergreen?
These hybrids are compact, rounded, small-leaved, evergreen shrubs that generally grow to 3-6' tall and are noted for having exceptional winter hardiness.
Is PJM rhododendron deciduous?
The evergreen foliage takes on a mahogany-brown winter color....Rhododendron x 'P.J.M. ' (H-1)Botanical Pronunciationroh-doh-DEN-dronDeciduous/ EvergreenEvergreenFlower AttributeShowy FlowersFlower ColorPinkFoliage ColorGreen12 more rows
Why are the leaves on my rhododendron turning brown and falling off?
Cause Leaf scorch on rhododendrons is a response to stress. Water stress can occur under both extremes of flooded, overly-saturated soils or under drought conditions when too little water is present. Root or stem damage due to disease or transplant shock can also cause scorch symptoms.
What does a PJM rhododendron look like in winter?
Dark green, hairless leaves are elliptical in shape growing 1-2.5" long. Evergreen, stiff, leathery leaves with a rusty-orange, scaly underside. Has a purple-green color in winter.
Do PJM rhododendrons lose their leaves in winter?
Rhododendron P.J.M. Foliage changes to a plum-purple in fall, persisting through winter.
What do rhododendrons look like in winter?
Some rhododendron leaves begin to droop when temperatures drop to around 35°F(2°C). Around 32°F(0°C) the leaves cup and curl at the edges. Around 25°F(-4°C), the leaves will be curled very tight. This problem is not caused by insects or disease but is a way the plant protects its leaves during cold, dry, windy weather.
Do rhododendrons leaves stay green all year?
Flowering rhododendron and azalea shrubs, both from the genus Rhododendron, have long been mainstays of the garden because their large leaves often stay green through winter, leading into bright clusters of flowers in the spring.
Can PJM rhododendrons be cut back?
0:051:19You will need to remove any dead plant material. And then you can prune back your rhododendron.MoreYou will need to remove any dead plant material. And then you can prune back your rhododendron.
Should I remove Brown rhododendron leaves?
Answer: Exposure to harsh sun and wind in winter can cause dry, brown, curled leaves and/or branches. Patience is key as you wait for the plant to bounce back, which it very well may do. In the meantime, you can remove dead leaves to make way for new ones.
Why are rhododendron leaves turning brown?
Your rhododendron leaves are turning brown because they may be suffering from scorched leaves. This could happen due to the hot sun or cold winter winds. The leaves could also turn brown because of a lack of water. Pests and diseases are some other reasons for the browning of the leaves.
Why is my rhododendron losing its leaves?
Too little water: By the time you see rhododendrons with droopy leaves in summer drought, they are really under a lot of stress through lack of water. They need water fast, and they will pick up fast, but damage may have been done which will not show again for about 6 months when the plant starts to collapse.
What rhododendrons are evergreen?
Bursting with vibrant blooms in the spring and retaining their leaves through the colder months, rhododendrons are the perfect "evergreen" for your winter landscape.The Mighty Rhododendron. ... Rhododendron 'Elviira' ... Rhododendron 'Blue Peter' ... Rhododendron 'Boule de Neige' ... Rhododendron 'Bow Bells' ... Rhododendron 'Windsong'More items...
Is there an evergreen rhododendron?
Rhododendrons are usually medium or large evergreen shrubs, while azaleas tend to be smaller and may be evergreen or deciduous.
Does rhododendron stay green in winter?
Flowering rhododendron and azalea shrubs, both from the genus Rhododendron, have long been mainstays of the garden because their large leaves often stay green through winter, leading into bright clusters of flowers in the spring.
Are rhododendrons evergreen in winter?
Rhododendrons are hardy, so they can withstand frost. Still, these evergreen plants appreciate a little extra protection. When there is a sharp frost combined with bright winter sunshine, drought damage can occur.
What causes rhododendron leaves to die?
Dieback is caused in rhododendrons by Botryosphaeria dothidea and in azaleas usually by members of the Phomopsis genus. While leaves die, they may remain brown and crispy on branches until they fall off in summer.
What is the genus of azaleas?
The Rhododendron genus is a hugely diverse group of plants that includes closely related azaleas. Their hardiness ranges vary by species. Hybrids from the PJM group (Rhododendron PJM Group) are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 4 through 8, for example, while pinxterbloom azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides) is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. Form, growth habit, flower color and bloom time also depend on species, but all rhododendrons may defoliate and become crispy when exposed to disease or environmental damage.
How to disinfect pruning shears?
Disinfect pruning shears between cuts by soaking them for five minutes in a solution of 1 part 70 percent isopropyl rubbing alcohol and 1 part water, allowing the shears to air-dry after soaking. References. University of Missouri Extension: Leaf Scorch of Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.
Why do my leaves scorch in summer?
Summer Heat. Leaf scorch occurs when a plant receives too little water to compensate for the moisture it loses through its leaves to hot summer air. Leaf scorch also can occur when rainy, overcast weather is suddenly followed by windy, sunny days.
Why are my rhododendron leaves turning yellow?
Although it seems counterintuitive, crown and root rot often cause dried-out, wilted leaves. Spread by pathogens in the Phytophthora genus, rots flourish in soils with too much moisture and too little drainage. Foliage may wilt, turn yellow and eventually fall an affected rhododendron.
How to treat a scorched rhododendron?
Apply a 2 1/2-inch-thick layer of mulch, such as rotted leaves or bark, on the ground around a leaf scorch-afflicted rhododendron, but don't let the mulch touch the plant's stems. Water the mulch until the soil beneath it is evenly moist.
Do rhododendrons curl in winter?
Although rhododendron leaves tend to curl during cold weather, it may not always protect them from winter burn. Even in a climate with mild winters, drying winter winds can sap moisture from leaves, especially when the rhododendron grows in an unprotected location.
What is a rhododendron shrub?
Rhododendron 'P.J.M.'. Rhododendrons are shrubs with showy flowers in spring, usually in shade of white, pink, purple and red. Some types of rhododendrons that lose their leaves in winter are commonly called azaleas. Relatively few rhododendrons are fully hardy in the Chicago area or can cope well with its alkaline soils.
How tall is a rhododendron?
A hybrid evergreen rhododendron reaching 3 to 6 feet high and wide.
What color are evergreen leaves?
Light straw-colored brown. Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture: The leathery, evergreen leaves are smooth and dark green, changing to a purplish-red color in fall. They are 1 to 2 1/2 inches long and elliptical. Flower arrangement, shape, and size:
Is rhododendron hardy in Chicago?
Relatively few rhododendrons are fully hardy in the Chicago area or can cope well with its alkaline soils. The hybrid Rhododendron ‘P.J.M’. does very well in cold climates and is one of the hardier rhododendrons for the Chicago region . It is able to tolerate near neutral soils. Family (English) Heath. Family (botanic) Ericaceae.
When do lavender pink flowers bloom?
Lavender-pink flowers bloom in clusters of 4-9 flowers in late spring.
What are the problems with rhododendrons?
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Rhododendrons are susceptible to insect and disease problems. Insect problems include aphids, borers, lacebugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips and whitefly. Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Full sun can scorch the leaves and the roots rot if soil does not drain well. A healthy plant in the right place with proper maintenance should have few problems.
Is a rhododendron a shrub?
Exceptionally winter hardy; protect from strong winds; does not like wet feet. Rhododendrons and azaleas are acid loving plants meaning that the soil needs to be slightly acidic to optimize growing conditions. It makes a great informal hedge plant. This is an underrated plant that is a wildly available in the nursery trade and would make an excellent addition to any landscape.