Purple Gem is a widely available and attractive dwarf rhododendron, but unless it is grown in full sun - 6 or more hours of direct exposure - it will become "stemy" as yours has. So, it's a normal look for the ones grown in too much shade, but not as dense as it would be in more sun.

The rolled leaves indicate the need for water, especially if they remain rolled in the cooler temperatures of early morning. Lack of sufficient nitrogen can cause yellow leaves, but this doesn't seem likely if it's planted in decaying pine needles. Likewise, iron deficiency is unlikely because the soil should be acid enough in this location. It may well be the natural color of the newest leaves which will become a darker green with time.

MiracleGro is, at best, very temporary. A better fertilizer is Holly Tone, but wait until next year so you don't stimulate late, soft growth.

I agree 100% with akamainegrower. In fact I would say that MiracleGro water soluble fertilizer can be more of a problem than a solution. Next year around bloom time, apply a good granular rhododendron fertilizer with organic nitrogen like Holly-tone.

If you can cut some branches to give the rhododendron more sun, it will go better. Rhododendrons don't grow much each year, but in shadier location they tend to get leggy and show lots of stems.

Thank you for your replies.

If I were to move this plant into a more appropriate sun location would it continue the 'stemy' look or would it actually fill in? I have never pruned this plant and am assuming I should not.

Regarding Miracle Grow, any type of Miracle Grow; would it be wise to steer clear of it altogether for any plants or just specific need plants like Rhodies? I have used Miracle Grow on other flowering plants and some looked noticeable better and/or increased in size quite quickly.

Again, thank you for your help.

The trouble with water soluble fertilizers is they are temporary. In the case of rhododendrons, they are not only temporary, but contain the wrong things. They are very high in nitrogen which makes nice green plants but does not promote hardiness or flowering. Also, chemical nitrogen fertilizers destroy mycorrhizae in the soil which are very helpful for members of the ericaceae (acid loving plants). If the soil is rich in mycorrhizae, the rhododendrons don't need very much fertilizer and are more tolerant of more challenging pH levels.

There are several other good granular fertilizers besides Holly-tone:

Jobes Organics Rhododendron and Azalea Granular Fertilizer

Whitney Farms Azalea, Camellia Food

Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Plant Food

But never apply as much as they say. Apply half as much and only once around bloom time.

Thank you for your help.

I think my take away is that I should be using a fertilizer that is not water soluble. I think I will switch fertilizers for every plant and stop using the water soluble all together.

Also, if I moved this Rhodie to a better suited spot with more sun would it fill out or am I stuck with the stemy look for the life of this plant?

Thanks again.

If you move it to a more sunny location, it should fill in nicely. I expect it to become more dense, but not grow into a big bushy plant. It will stay small. Once it starts filling in, you can help it along by cutting back any branches that you think are sticking out by themselves.

It would be best to move it when it is not stressed with hot dry weather, like in the fall. Don't prune it when you move it as that could trigger new growth. Then, give it another year to show growth. Growth is about finished now for this summer as it should be. Any new growth spurts may be frozen back this winter.

rhodyman--I have tried to grow this cultivar in my area a couple of times now (Smoky Mtns of Eastern Tennessee) and have not had much luck. It seems not to be too happy about the southern heat although it continues to be readily available here (nursery and box store materials). Have you heard of this experience with this guy? Maybe I'm not doing something right.

Purple Gem is more sensitive to summer heat than most rhododendrons.

I don't know your situation, but Washington, DC, is the southern limit for many rhododendrons except at higher elevations. The hot moist summers limits the varieties that can be grown. Most varieties in this area need much better drainage, more shade, and a very good mulch layer.

So I take it Purple Gem is not a good rhododendron for Chicago? Is it too hot here?

I just picked one up today as it said Shady to Part Sun. I’m in Georgia and have some normal sized rhodies, so thought I would try this out! Maybe shady is specified down here due to the heat.

Dlkrell, I will let you know if you let ME know!!??