My rhododendron is in a half barrel as it doesn't like the local soil.(Colchester East Anglia) our water is very hard. When rainwater is scarce can we treat tap water to use instead?
It would be worse to use softened water than to use the hard tap water till it rains again. The softened water will increase sodium levels that can be harmful.
Prolonged use of hard water can decrease the acidity level around the roots, but it should be Ok to use temporarily till the rain returns.
I bought this plant last year and it flowered beautifully. This year it seems to be suffering from something. If it needs to be moved should I do it now before it gets any worse?
Is it planted in a shady location with rich, acidic soil? If not, consider moving them. Also check the pH level of the soil. It is important that it be betweeen 4.5 and 6.0. A high pH can cause yellowing leaves.
If those check out, look for insect problems such as spider mites or lace bugs. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/issues-with-rhododendrons.htm
You can also check for leaf scorch:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/brown-rhododendron-leaves.htm
Here are tips about their best care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-care.htm
I need help with my plant.be fore I planted it was fine now i plant it in my flower bed with top soil two out of the four dont look that good. can you help me .
Make sure that these are not in the sun. They will prefer mostly shade, to full shade.
Here is an article that will help you to care for them:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-care.htm
Part of my rhododendron plant which we planted this spring looks wilted and unhealthy. The other branches seem ok. I am not sure if sun or water is to blame. The plant gets full sun but the healthier side gets less sun. Thanks for any help!
Go ahead and trim away and discard any leaves and stems that look bad, remove all the old remains of flower heads and give it a couple treatments with neem oil. Then, later in the year, you may want to give it a severe pruning and a new start. Here's an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/pruning-rhododendrons.htm
the black edges around new foliage occurs in spring on some sections of an otherwise buetiful mature (30+ year old) Lems Monarch. Cause…Remedy?? Read more at Gardening Know How: Ask A Gardening Question https://questions.gardeningknowhow.com/ask-a-question
Though they are not unusually susceptible to infections, they can occur. Unfortunately, your photos did not come through so I am unable to confirm.
You may want to treat with a fungicide. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Here is a collection of articles that will help you with the care of These shrubs:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron
I have a pic if helpful
This is, likely, a bacterial pathogen. This will require treatment. Copper fungicides will be best. Here is an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-copper-fungicide.htm
Just been given a rhododendron in a pot and want to be prepared for winter months living near Reading
Yes. These are evergreen, and will require growing conditions similar to summer. You are, actually, at the upper end of where they will survive. Winter protection will not be necessary, but if it gets warm in your area, you may need to plant it in deeper shade. They will not tolerate full sun, no matter what area you are in, though.
This article will help you with the care of these shrubs:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-care.htm