The rhododendron is one of the most popular garden plants. Its compact growth, evergreen foliage and magnificent flowers conquer every hobby gardener. In order to maintain healthy growth of the bog plant, damage such as yellow leaves must be recognized and treated in good time.

How to save the rhododendron. What to do against yellow leaves?

Just like people, plants turn pale and yellow when they are lacking something or when they are sick. Yellow leaves and pale green indicate deficiency symptoms in rhododendrons. Another sure indication of this is that the rhododendron does not form buds and does not bloom.

Pale rhododendron with uneven yellow leaves

Pale yellow leaves with green veining on the evergreen leaves of the rhododendron indicate a typical deficiency. Magnesium, nitrogen and iron deficiencies cause chlorosis. In most cases, it occurs when the pH values are too high. As a result, the rhododendron does not properly absorb the iron in the soil.

Iron fertilizer provides a short-term remedy. Dissolve it in water and pour it. In the long term, improving the soil to a pH of 4.0 - 5.0 is just as important. This works best most rhododendron varieties can be propagated with a special soil for rhododendrons. For ecological reasons, a mixture of garden compost, bark compost and wood chip compost is used instead of peat. Mulching with bark humus with the addition of horn shavings (32.93€) as a nitrogen supplier has also proven itself.

Evenly yellow leaves due to alkaline soil

If the soil is not acidic enough, this is also reflected in yellow leaves. The roots grow in alkaline areas. The plant does not tolerate this and reacts with yellowish leaves. Simply exchange the existing soil for a special rhododendron soil.

If the roots are overgrown, replacing the soil is difficult. Pour the special soil into a casting ring shaped around the trunk. By watering regularly, the nutrients get into the deeper layers of the earth. This is how you provide the rhododendron with everything it needs.

Even if it takes a while before success sets in, this measure is helpful in the long term. An added benefit. In this way, the shrub is not over-fertilized. If you want to be on the safe side from the start, you should plant the rhododendron in this special soil right away.

Yellow-green to yellowish white speckled leaf upper side

The underside of the sheet is noticeably brownish-black soiled. Sometimes also slightly rolled up. The leaves later dry up and fall off. The rhododendron bug stephanitis rhododendri is hiding behind these signs.

It likes to attack plants in a dry, sunny spot. The Flava variety is particularly susceptible to this pest. As a preventive measure, it is advisable to check the underside of the leaves for infestation in May, June and July. If necessary, timely treat with an insecticide in dry weather.

tips and tricks

If there is a lack of iron, many hobby gardeners swear by simply sticking rusty nails into the ground. Just try it and see if it really works!

Category:

Vegetable garden