My rhododendron bush has a very gnarly bush base. What should I do with it and is there some way I can straighten it up? It seems to go every which way, and is growing more into my lawn. It is a very old bush. It blooms beautifully every year, but after blooming it thins out and looks terrible! Please tell me how to help my poor bush!!
Sounds like it's in need of some pruning. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/pruning-rhododendrons.htm
I have had two rhododendrons that are about four years old. Neither flowers. What can I do to change this?
This article gives you the basics of rhodedendron care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-care.htm
After you've checked on the basic requirements to see if there are problems there, there are a couple of other possibilities. The first is that you're pruning at the wrong time (any time after late spring) and cutting off the flower buds. Here's an article on pruning: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/pruning-rhododendrons.htm
The second is that deer may be eating the flower buds, which they are fond of. Here's an article about protecting from deer: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-repellents.htm
Can water (presumably more than it wants) cause rhody blossoms to wilt prematurely? My rhodys were in full bloom and following several days of hot weather I gave one a very modest drink, but the soil here is heavy. Next day the flowers are wilted but the leaves look fine. My neighbor's yard gets no added water at all and is a burst of azalea and rhody color for weeks, even in full sun of those hot days, whereas mine bloomed a fairly short time. Is watering shortening my bloom time?
Yes, too much water is not good for rhodedendron. There are many things you an do to improve your bloom -- read on: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-care.htm
This is my third year in my new house. I have just figured out that the small sticks in one of my garden beds is a rhododendron. Last year, there were two little blooms on the plant. This year, more, but it is still a sad little plant that I would like to move to another bed. I want to know the best way to help promote much more growth in the years to come.
You can try moving it. Make sure to dig up as many of the roots as you can. This article has information that will help you find a better place for your plants; https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-care.htm
I have a rhododendron plant in front of the house. Planted about 5 years ago, it has long branches with very sparse flowers at the end. Should I prune it radically? I am at the point of wanting to destroy it.
Thanks
Your rhodedendron was probably damaged by the severe winter weather. which probably didn't help an already old plant. Why don't you do some heavy pruning, fertilizing, and give it a couple of years. Here's an article on rhodedendron pruning: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/pruning-rhododendrons.htm
Rhododendrons leave are covered in black sooty deposits, and the underside of leaf has white strips mainly down the spine of the leaf. The actual Rhodies are 50+ years old.
This article should provide you with some answers: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-sooty-mold.htm
I have two 20 year old bushes grown in half barrels (40 cm diameter) which are looking sad this year. Can I cut back roots and pot back in same tubs as I have done with pot bound camellias?
Yes you can. Here's an article with some tips on growing shrubs in containers that might be useful to you. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/potted-shrubs-growing-shrubs-in-containers.htm