Back to top Enclosed is a twig from a rhododendron which I planted two years ago. The first year it looked fine, but this past growing season it has gradually gotten worse, with the appearance of curling leaves which eventually fall off. I had the same thing on a five year old rhododendron two years ago that eventually died, despite spraying with everything I could think of. This one is about fifteen feet from where the old one was located. I have another one planted near them that looks healthy.
Rhododendrons can be somewhat tricky to grow, especially if there is the slightest drainage problem.
They need to be planted shallow, with soil brought up around the root ball. They like even moisture but will not tolerate wet feet. If your soil has much clay, or was planted too deep, that could be the problem. Azaleas are members of the rhododendron family, and will also not tolerate poor drainage, but they aren t as finicky as rhododendrons. Check out your drainage and correct any problems before planting any other plants.