Re: Rhodies

In a message dated 98-11-11 14:01:40 EST, you write:

<< I've noticed my rhododendron this fall has developed a number of yellow
 leaves, but they are not dropping. They are  the oldest leaves on the
 branches. If it were chlorosis, the leaves would have green veins,
 wouldn't they? (or is that just roses?) Is this normal or should I be
 doing something?
  >>

Hi Mary in Missouri.  This is Janis in Missouri.  Yes, iron chlorosis is
generally interveinal.  Also, as it is relatively immobile in plants, it tends
to show up on the younger leaves first.  Since your rhododendron's oldest
leaves are uniformly yellow, it does not sound like iron deficiency.  I assume
yours is an evergreen rhododendron, as most are.  Evergreens are not really
EVER green, as they do not keep their leaves forever.  The oldest leaves do
drop after a few years, even on conifers.  And they do that in the fall.  If
your plant looks otherwise healthy, I wouldn't worry about it. It is probably
just normal senescence of the leaves.    

I don't know what part of Missouri you live in, but here in the St. Louis area
we have limestone parent material so our soils tend to be too alkaline (pH 7
or higher) to grow rhododendrons well.  There are pockets where soil is
slightly more acidic, and fortunately, I live in Webster Groves, which is one
of those pockets.  The pH in my yard averages  6.2.  Not the best for
Rhododendrons, certainly not like in the East or Pacific Northwest, but I have
beautiful, huge, 20-year old azaleas that prosper and bloom prolifically with
just an occasional topdressing of cottonseed meal and watering in the  fall if
it is really dry.  (I go easy on the irrigation because our local water is pH
11! )    But I have not had success the true Rhododendrons of the genus. Do
you know your pH?  Since your Rhododendron seems to be doing well, I was just
wondering where you live.  

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