How to Tend to Rhododendrons in Shock

Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) are beautiful evergreen shrubs with waxy leaves and flowers that come in several colors. These plants grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, and tend to prefer more shaded areas with well-draining soil. In some circumstances, such as when they are being transplanted, a rhododendron goes into shock, losing leaves or not producing new growth. If you notice this happening, employ a few strategies to nurse it back to health.

Bone meal
Soil test kit
Hose
Mulch or pine needles
Stakes and string

Instructions

- 1
  Check the roots. It's already in shock, so digging out some of the soil won't hurt it. Remove the top layer of soil and check the roots. Ensure that they are spread out and not bundled too tightly together. If the roots are still partially in burlap, remove it. Cover the roots back up with soil, using your hands to force soil around all the roots so there are no gaps of air.
- 2
  Add a root-strengthening fertilizer, such as bone meal, to the soil to encourage healthy roots.
- 3
  Give the rhododendron 1 inch of water per week. If it rains, water the plant less to prevent over-watering.
- 4
  Check the acidity of the soil in the area where the rhododendron is located using a soil test kit. Evergreens like acidic soil. If the kit shows that the dirt tests 7 or higher, then it is not acidic. Add mulch such as pine bark or needles around the plant to add acid to the soil naturally.
- 5
  Stake the plant to prevent wind or other conditions from shifting it and working the roots loose.

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