What to do with heat burned Rhododendrons?

What to do with heat burned Rhododendrons? (post #16411)

geoffhazel on Wed, 03/03/2010 - 17:11

General Gardening

I live in the Pacific Northwest, where Rhododendrons generally do pretty well, but we planted a few on the sunny side of the yard (not realizing how sunny it got) and they were fried last summer. Most of the leaves are brown or half brown.

If I transplant them to the shady side, do you think they'll recover, or is it not worth the trouble? There are 4 of them, some pretty small (under 18" tall).

Also, any ideas for a good sun-friendly plant to replace them? Something that will get 2-3 feet high?

Do you see any new growth on (post #16411, reply #1 of 3)

by SteveA in reply to geoffhazel [original] on Thu, 03/04/2010 - 14:23

Do you see any new growth on them? That would be a good sign. It might not hurt to try to move them since they are small. What have you got to lose?

A dwarf spirea or dwarf conifer might make a good replacement.

--Steve Aitken, Editor, Fine Gardening

I'm with Steve on this one; (post #16411, reply #2 of 3)

by the country gardener in reply to geoffhazel [original] on Thu, 03/04/2010 - 15:54

I'm with Steve on this one; go ahead and move them. Rhodies are a pretty hardy bunch, You should start to see new growth any time now here in the PNW. If they haven't started pushing new growth by late April toss them and get new ones. April is a great month to see all the Rhodies in bloom so you can select for color. In their place I like the Spiraea suggestion; look for Shirobana, Lime Mound or Snow Mound. Also look for the red or gold Dwarf Barberies which are not invasive at all in the PNW (I add that part because they're very invasive back east and this is a national forum). Mexican Orange is a great shrub for full sun, and the variety 'Aztec Pearl' is a bit smaller than species which should allow for your height requirement. Viburnum davidii is another broad-leaf evergreen that might meet your needs. Try Birdsnest Spruce, Mugho Pine or the dward Hinoki Cypress for conifers. Good luck!

Marty

"The plants have been good to us." Lester Hawkins

If you scrape the bark is (post #16411, reply #3 of 3)

by AstridElsaJo in reply to geoffhazel [original] on Sun, 03/07/2010 - 10:54

If you scrape the bark is there green showing underneath? If there is the plants may pull through. Up to you.

What to do with heat burned Rhododendrons?