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Why Are My Rhododendron Leaves Yellowing? Don’t Panic – It’s Nature Doing Its Thing!
Isn’t the weather just wild lately? I don’t know about you, but my poor hens thought it was winter and stopped laying — then, out of the blue, the sun came out, temperatures lifted for a week, and voilà… eggs again! And it’s not just the chickens. I’ve spotted rhododendrons flowering, and even a few daffodils popping up. It’s like the seasons have decided to mix things up, and our gardens are just as confused as we are.
At RhodoDirect, we grow a lot of rhododendrons — and when I say a lot, I mean hundreds. So when something starts happening, I notice patterns. Lately, I’ve spotted quite a few of our alpine rhododendrons dropping their lower leaves, which are turning a soft yellow first. And the question that’s been coming through loud and clear is:
“Is my rhododendron dying?”
No – It’s Just Shedding Its Old Leaves
If you’ve noticed yellowing leaves on your rhododendron – particularly on the older, lower parts of the plant – don’t panic. It’s likely just a natural part of the plant’s cycle, especially after a period of weather extremes.
Think of it as the plant going through a little stress – a warm snap, followed by a sudden freeze, can make your rhodo think it’s already powered through a whole year of growth. In response, it begins a completely normal process: leaf senescence.
What Is Leaf Senescence?
Good question! Leaf senescence is essentially the ageing process of a leaf. As leaves reach the end of their natural lifespan, the green chlorophyll fades, allowing those yellow or even orange pigments to come through. It’s a bit like a mini autumn show – especially in evergreen shrubs like rhododendrons.
This colour change isn’t a sign of poor health — it’s a sign that the plant is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. It prepares to let go of those older leaves, conserving energy for the season ahead. This is often followed by leaf abscission, which is when the plant forms a special layer of cells at the base of the leaf stem to gently sever and drop the leaf – sometimes all at once with a gust of wind.
When Should You Worry About Yellowing Rhododendron Leaves?
The key is to look at where the yellowing is happening.
- Older, lower leaves only? Most likely seasonal leaf drop. No need to worry.
- New, upper growth is yellowing or looking sick? This could point to something else – like root issues, nutrient deficiencies, or water stress.
But if your plant is otherwise healthy, with lush new growth, buds, or even a few flowers popping up, it’s simply responding to the topsy-turvy weather we’ve been having.
What You Can Do
- Rake up the fallen leaves and add them to your compost – they break down beautifully.
- Give your rhododendrons a good mulch around the base to protect roots from temperature swings.
- Avoid overwatering. Cooler weather means they need less.
- Breathe. Your plant is not dying. It’s adapting.
I love how growing these plants in bulk helps me learn more each season. When you see a whole row doing the same thing, it’s a reminder that nature is incredibly tuned in to the rhythms around it – even when those rhythms seem a little off to us.
If you’re ever unsure about what’s happening with your rhododendron’s leaves, feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to talk rhododendrons.