Pacific Northwest Gardening: only one bloom on my rhododendron this year, 0 by budnspuds

budnspuds wrote:
My 3 rhodies in the back yard were all planted in October 2004 and they bloomed fully in 2005. The miniature one in the front was planted the year prior I think 2003. It bloomed as well. I used compost in the garden and mulched last winter really well.

Oh I just remembered that my neighbor had sprayed chemicals on our fence to seal it. He pressure washed it and then sprayed on the wood sealer and I was so angry. I had told him it was ok to paint our fence on his side but not to spray because I had all my plants there. Well he did it when we weren't aware of it until he was almost done. So I was out there spraying off the bushes for a long time. I was so upset. So maybe that may have caused the buds to be damaged. That was last summer!!! However, like I said the one plant got a full bush of blooms.

When I deadhead them I do it like you said and I haven't ever pruned them. I like the way they look. However, the one that only had 3 blooms and many many leaves is a bit too bushy but will wait and see what happens.

I attached a photo of my miniature one in our front. For some reason I don't have photos of the back. Oh that was when I ran out of film waiting for them to bloom. I now have a digital so I can take some tomorrow.

Thanks for the info...
Shawn