Capistrano considered to be the most hardiest of all yellow evergreen rhododendrons. Even with a such tag it's not a reliable bloomer in colder parts of 6a, but blooms fairly good all over 6b.
"If I tug on the plant it will come right out of the ground ..." Something is not right. After two years in a ground it should be sitting firmly.
Have you teased the roots before planting or its rootball still have a shape of the pot? If later, then tear it apart and replant.

That's the strange thing- it doesn't seem root bound. I did transplant last June so it's just been about a year. Perhaps it needs more time?

You know on second look I started pulling the soil away and the root ball disintegrated down to nothing! I'm amazed it was standing upright. I teased them out and added microrhyzae. Will see what happens... Thanks for your insight George.

I live along the CT shoreline and always wanted Capistrano. This season at a local garden center I met someone who was purchasing a replacement Capistrano because "mine just up and died." We had a tough, cold winter and maybe that was his problem.

As to your problem of tugging on the plant and almost pulling it out.... maybe root rot because it was in clay or in a damp area? or voles eating the roots? I don't know, but it sure does sound strange.

Molie

I don't know but that's a good question Molie. We have clay soil but it's right near some drainage I put in 3 years ago so I don't think that's the issue. I actually think it could be chipmunks. They have been digging tunnels all over my yard starting last year. At first I thought they were adorable until I realized their destructiveness. I had to start thinning the population.

It remains to be seen how well this plant can do here. My sister-in-law planted one last year in what would seem a perfect spot on the easterly side of her house (afternoon shade) on the north side of their front stoop (shade from winter burn) and it's not thriving. I was talking to a fellow who works at the local nursery and he says: "You know what, my Capistrano is not doing so great either." My mother-in-law just planted one this year so I'm interested to see how hers does.

At the very least, I'm giving this Capistrano one more year at which point I'm might just try another one because I think the yellow looks so good with our house.