dieback in rhododendrons

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Sofonisba Questa, NM(Zone 5b) Aug 10, 2006

I made a post about some dieback in my rhododendrons in the rhododendrons list, but no one responded. If anyone knows how I can cure it, please help! Here's a link to my original post.

http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/637113/

thanks!
sofie

Post #2607122
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StarhillForest Illinois, IL(Zone 5b) Aug 10, 2006

I'm no rhodie guy, but have you checked into the basic things first?
Improper planting (most likely if it was a container plant)?
Black vine weevil?
Watering problems? (Too much or too little)
Sun-baked roots before it was planted?

Guy S.

Post #2607380
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conifers Rock Island, IL(Zone 5b) Aug 10, 2006

I lose mine to weevils... Check for chewing on your leaves - if there is then they're also chewing at root level. Pretty soon branch after branch will die suddenly.

Dax

Post #2607663
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Sofonisba Questa, NM(Zone 5b) Aug 10, 2006

Hmmm, I do have some chew marks. I didn't know they were also responsible for dieback. I thought dieback was a fungus. I'll have to get those little suckers!

thanks,
sofie

Post #2607732
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conifers Rock Island, IL(Zone 5b) Aug 10, 2006

That's where I'd start than Sofonisba.

Dax

Post #2607795
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Resin Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a) Aug 10, 2006

Phytophthora root rot is another possibility, particularly if the soil is wet and badly drained.

Resin

Post #2608156
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Decumbent Cincinnati, OH(Zone 6b) Aug 10, 2006

Phytophthora was my first thought. I see that a lot around here. Particularly if the rhodies were planted too deep or if it has been unusually damp.

Scott6

Post #2608219
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Sofonisba Questa, NM(Zone 5b) Aug 11, 2006

Hmmm... I had been warned not to let them dry out when I first planted them. I did manage to plant them a little higher than the soil level, but because of the warning, I've been watering them 2x a week. They were planted this May.

Another friend told me I could have dieback from underwatering. Ugh! How do I identify which one it is?

Regardless of too much or not enough water, I'll work on combating the black vine weevils. I spread beneficial nematodes over the entire yard this spring. I know they'll work on killing the weevil larve eventually. Any ideas on how I could combat the weevil now without hurting the nematodes in the process?

Sofie

Post #2608894
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