Winter Kill

Image of Winter Kill on a Rhododendron

After a long winter, maintenance in the landscape is crucial for a good season of growth. Especially when it comes to our garden beds. The snow melt reveals spring flowering bulbs and soon greener lawns. It reveals damage too and stately shady shrubs like Rhododendrons with Winter Kill are noticeable.

Winter Kill on Rhodies are an obvious sign with leaves that are  brown, curled, and downward. The damage is due to harsh sun and cold winds during the winter months.

Remedy

The ever trustworthy method of wait and see is vital for this; only remove decayed leaves and branches if are dead. The next step is to fertilize with an acidifying fertilizer like Holly-Tone by Espoma Organics. Also, follow the directions on label cause excess fertilizer application can worsen the symptoms.