My neighbor has a rhododendron that she moved to her front yard about 2 years ago. Since then, it's gotten what look like bloom buds, but then it never does bloom (since being moved; bloomed fine before move). The area it was in was much shadier, but she has azaleas where the new spot is and they do fine, so not sure it's over exposed to sun. I did notice though that it's fuller on the non-sun-facing side than the side of it that faces the sun. It otherwise looks healthy, green, no signs of bugs or anything funny or signs of burning on the leaves. Any ideas why it's not blooming? Is it likely that it's just still re-establishing itself to the new home, or is it perhaps getting too much sun to bloom?
I'm not a Rhodo person, so I know nothing about them to help her.
Rhododendron question
Bloom buds are noticeably larger than leaf buds, fat and swollen-looking. The plant might be adjusting, and perhaps it didn't bloom last spring but will next spring. If you could take a photo, the type of bud could be definitely identified.
It's actually been two full years since it was transplanted, so two summers/falls in its current location. I would have thought it would have "acclimated" the first year, perhaps, then bloomed this year. But I'll go over tomorrow and take a picture. I don't want to frighten them with flashes in their yard at almost 10 p.m. LOL
Thanks much!
Sun will also dry them out, though. I'm guessing that it may be a little water-stressed. She doesn't prune the rhodies, right? They form buds for bloom in the following year.
I'm not sure. I'll have to ask her. I would have gotten a picture the other night, but we have had Ida rolling through here the last couple days and it's been nothing but rain and wind. As soon as it clears up some, I'll get a picture, but might not be for a few days yet.