Rhododendron buds are frequently irresistable to deer. They can neatly nip off the buds without leaving a trace of any other damage.

Squirrels are another real possibility.

More likely squirrels than deer where we are, but you never know. I sprinkled some red pepper on the few remaining buds in hopes of detering the little munchers so I can at least still have a couple of blooms. Pretty upsetting seeing as this was the first year I was going to have more than the 3 buds I have had for the last 2 years.. it was pretty well loaded up this time. Oh well, maybe next year.

Thanks

Squirrels eat rhododendruns?

bekcgarden, yes, squirrels will pick the buds and eat them.

Oh no...

We have three, the names escape me. Two bloomed the first year. Last year, lots of leaves, lots of buds, but no blooms. This year, they have what looks like rust in their leaves, and they do not appear healthy. I realized, too late, that they we planted them within the drip line of several black walnuts. And, of course, we have a ton of squirrels.

There is no other spot for them in our yard. :(

Could it be azalea sawfly? Last spring all the buds on my Percy Wiseman Rhododendron were eaten and then some leaves. I saw a little green caterpillar on one stem. I think I used permethrin and the devastation stopped, but it was too late for flowers.

I looked today and the buds are all gone again. There are other rhododendrons on either side of Percy and they're OK.

Claire