I [put miracle grow in gray & blue box for this problem.Do it about once a week till you see improvement.I saved alot of bushes using that..

A couple thoughts come to mind:

1) Did you prepare the rootball before planting? Most rhodies tend to be pretty well rootbound in their pots... and the fine feeder roots are unable to penetrate the bound mass. Plant then strangles itself. Very important to slice that rootball before planting -- although if that was the problem, my guess would be that you would have seen them doing poorly sooner.

2) Some knowledgeable people discourage replacing clay soil in the hole around a new plant. Water won't move well from the one soil type to the other... and especially with your new stuff being potting soil (which probably has alot of vermiculite and really holds the water), the plant ends up sitting in a bathtub. Since you mention a "decent amount" of rain recently, I wonder about this being the problem.

3) Try posting in the rhody/azalea forum. There's some folks there that know one hailofalot about those plants. Including one from PA who is pretty active there (MRDan) (at least, MRDan was around last I knew).

Good luck with 'em!

The miracle grow in gray box isnt just fertilizer its for plants that need acid soil such as rhodies ,azaleas,pine type.Thats why I suggested it

bulldinkie, When a plant is sick or dying fertilizer isn't going to fix the problem. You have to figure out what's wrong. If it's poor drainage or rootbound from the pot, fertilizer won't help.
The lastest recommendation for planting is to dig your hole, scratch the soil on the sides of the hole, loosen the roots, place in planting hole and back fill with native soil. No potting soil or additives. Since it sounds like you're losing them anyway, try digging one up as Hardrock suggested and check the roots and the condition of the hole. Good luck. Billie

I was just told two days ago that these plants actually like it a little drier than most. I think I killed mine by overwatering. The clay soil really holds the water so I feel like this is probably accurate. I love them so I will try again and do the root slicing thing as well as watering less.

Thanks for the responses. I looked at them more closely, there just aren't alot of leaves and when the flowers were up they all but hide the leaves. I guess I expected a more 'green' bush.

When is a good time to prune to encourage more denser growth, they are pretty scrawny. Any tips on pruning?

Just my thoughts...

1) Rhodies often get planted next to house foundations. Foundations are loaded with cement/concrete, which in turn is loaded with lime, from limestone, which is alkaline. The alkalinity leaches into the soil nearby. Rhodies love acidic soil, do some amending.

2) If you have anything resembling decent drainage, it would be hard to over-water. If your soil is seriously compacted, do some amending. Pick your favorite organic material, and have at it.

3) Sorry for not knowing the precise name, but there is some pathogen that has been blighting Rhodies, especially in PA. I've heard of healthy long-living and huge rhodies that have been lost to this. Check your nearest PSU Co-op Extension.

4) I can't swear to this, mostly because I've never tried it, but some say you can prune Rhodies right back to the ground, and with some TLC they'll rebound over time. Please try this at your own peril, I have no idea if it's legit.

Most of all, good luck!

I have very clay soil I can't grow the larger rhododendron but the smaller ones and azaleas also my pieris all do fine as long as I dig in some peat around it monthly during growing season. Patty

MyRhododendrons are dying please advice on how to slice rootball.

Thanks

Jan

Gently remove the plant from the hole. Turn upside down and use a knife to cut a slice in the bottom , about 2". While you have it out use your fingers to loosen the dirt around the side of the root ball. Replant , ( bending back the two halves) mulch and water well. That has answered your question.

However there are more things to consider. Azaleas and Rhododendrons like good humus rich soil , they have shallow roots and will dry out easy. They need to be planted on the north or east side of the house. If they get full sun, they will not do well and maybe die. You should water occasionally , when needed, allow to dry, but do not go for weeks or months without water, Only a day long soaking rain will count. If you had a bad winter, ( lots of very cold wind) the leaves will dry out, and brown. ALSO ---- Never add fertilizer to a sick plant, ( thank you Billie) IMHO - I never use M Grow. It could do more harm than good if not properly applied. One last thing- if this is an existing plant and the leaves have turned faded green to brown, it may have an insect - ( turn leaves upside down and look for black spots) If yes - that the leaves to a Garden Center and ask for the chemical needed to spray. Be prepared ! If you have clay soil, find another plant that does well, in clay - not an azalea!