I recently planted two Rhododendrons. They have developed buds (September 30th) as if they are going to flower. Is this ok, or should I prune the buds ?
Yes, this is for next year's flowering! Do not remove them. This article will help you to care for the shrub: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-care.htm
I am trying to encourage a previously unloved rhododendron to reach its height potential. It is currently covered in unopened large flower buds. If I pull these off, will that help the plant focus its energy on growth or are there negative consequences?
If it is in flower, it has likely reached its height potential! There are many different types, and they have different heights set by their genetics. I would not do any pruning, or bud pinching until after the flowers have died off.
These articles will help with their care to reach its full potential:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/pruning-rhododendrons.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/how-to-fertilize-rhododendrons.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-care.htm
This rhododendron was in my common garden when I moved in and seemed fine. Summer 2018 decided to cut it back and move it. Pretty sure it wasn't the right time for that and it seemed to have died completely. But now I can see some new growth on it, indicating it's still alive! Question is: can I move it back! And what do I do about all the dead branches? Please help me restore it to its former glory! P.S. I live in Copenhagen and the winter has beem exceptionally mild with no frost.
It does appear to be making a comeback! Make sure that the area you plant is not in full sun. They will appreciate quite a bit of shade, and do not tolerate much sunlight.
I would recommend cutting them back until you find some living material. Once you find living wood, you can stop pruning that branch.
These shrubs can be quite particular, so the right environment is of utmost importance.
This article will help you to care for the shrub: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-care.htm
I did not plant this ficus looking tree but it's growing in my garden all of a sudden and it's growing very fast can that happen
That appears to be Rhododendron sinogrande or similar. How interesting!
This collection of articles will help you to care for the genus Rhododendron, should you choose to keep it around:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron
Are you sure that it's a rhododendron... It also looks like a poisonous plant called manchineel... Can you roll that out?
It is not a Manchaneel. I can say that.
I'm not completely certain, just from one photo, but Rhododendron, especially a larger leaf variety, is most likely.
Behind that could be Pachira glabra, or possibly Prunus laurocerasus.
That should help narrow down some possibilities.
Waiting for the flowers can give a better indication, and budding characteristics will help, here, as well.
Despite the fact it has no blooms it looks very healthy.
Here's an article to help you with this:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-not-blooming.htm
It did not flower last year and this year 75% is withering. The remaining part seems to be struggling
I can't tell if this is a new planting, or if those are underground animal tunnels around the shrub. I would guess the latter, given the nature of the wilting.
It looks like the root was damaged, either, by a tunneling animal or similar.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/vole-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/get-rid-groundhogs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/vole-control.htm