Rhododendron help

[GinGeum]

We have a well established rhododendron bush in the garden. It must be at least ten years old. Last year it was covered in flowers, but this year it had a really poor show despite being covered in buds. Some of the leaves are now starting to turn yellow.

Any tips to give it a helping hand? It is planted next to a pine tree where the soil is very acidic and dry, and is also shaded by the pine tree's foliage. I've never fed it though, and I haven't watered it at all during the dry spell. I've also never pruned it. Could that be the problem? It's mostly the inside leaves turning yellow.

Rhodos need moist soil. as new leaves grow in spring older leaves are shed, and may go yellow and spotty first. It should only be a few at a time though. I suspect your plant is dry and starved. Give it a good soak and a light feed and make sure it stays moist. Don't prune it

Argree, do not prune it. Anytime time I have pruned a large rhododendrons or Azalea it has died. They are very shallow rooted so need masses of water in hot weather.

Feed is with Sequestrine of Iron, but make sure you follow the instructions. Overfeeding will damage the plant.

Great, thank you. There was one arm I was planning to prune as it was sticking out away from the plant, but having looked at it yesterday, the rest seems to have grown out too so that shoot is no longer obvious. I will keep my secateurs away! Will head to the garden centre to get some feed for it. It has been very dry so that explains it.