I'm a novice looking for help from all mavens out there. I bought two pjm rhodies in early may. They were planted six feet apart with a western exposure. I know this isn't the greatest spot, but I read that pjms are pretty sun tolerant. Anyhow, one is doing perfectly fine while the other is now dying. Here's some data that I hope might help for a diagnosis:
1. The dying rhody's leaves are drooping and folding as
well as turning a lighter green.
2. It's situated 6 feet to the south and might get 15 more
minutes of sun.
3. Both have received identical treatment--a little
sulpher before planting, slow drip watering when there
hasn't been rain for a week or so (we've had a wet
spring and summer).
4. The soil drains well (black Illinois farm belt soil).
5. I've given half doses of soluble rhody fertilizer twice.
6. Previous to the drooping and folding, the dying rhody
exhibited some browning around the edges, especially
toward the southern side of the plant while the healthy
one showed little. This was particularly evident on
new growth.
7. The dying one was putting on significant growth for
months....much more than my Cunningham's whites on the
eastern exposure of my house.
8. Both were planted shallowly--enough for 60 mph winds to
nearly uproot both in a storm last night.
There it is. Is there a Dr. House for rhodies out there.
All replies are greatly appreciated.
sturgeonguy
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