My Rhododendron needs help! Lanarkshire - Scotland

Hi,
We have 5 Rhododendrons planted in a row. They were planted about 2 years ago. All of them have been doing really well and in particular this year have had a growing spurt. However one of them in the last 2 weeks has started looking really sickly. Her buds opened up about half way and then everything ground to a halt. Her leaves started drooping and are now curling. Her buds seem to be drying out and not opening up. In other words... she is looking really sick :( The other Rhododendrons in the row are all looking great, only this little one in the middle. Is there any advice someone can give me about what we could do to help her. Many thanks.

 

Hi there.

I suspect it's Vine Weevil. Take a look at this thread.

 

Agree things look decidedly dire!. Looks like you do have a bit of a Vine Weevil problem from the evidence of eaten leaves. You could try spraying against the Weevil altho not sure that they would cause such a sudden die back and don't think they would have so quickly affected the flowers . The most common fungal infection which can cause sudden die back is Phytophthora Cinnamonia. I have never had an outbreak on my Rhododendrons so can't be of much help in saying if that's your problem of not as not really sure what if any the tell tale signs are and seems strange that only 1 (fingers crossed it stays this way!) Rhododendron has been badly affected.The shrub hasn't been damaged when the grass has been cut, strimmed? No weedkiller been near it? If the shrub was mine I'd probably give it a mighty prune, lift it and plant somewhere else. It doesn't look that big and Rhododendrons move very easily being shallow rooted. Such a shame, hope it recovers and sorry not to be of more help