Last spring/summer we relandscaped (hardscaped) our property. I had to move a very old (30 years), large rhododendron (5 x 6 feet). It sat unplanted for 3 months. I kept it well watered, and covered the root ball to keep in the moisture and protect it from the sun/wind. It handled that very well, considering. It was moved from the east corner of the house where it got sun from morning to early afternoon; and is now planted on a slope further down in the garden, with a full east-south exposure. It now gets sun all day. After planting I gave it rhodo food and mulched with compost. It has a lot of flower buds, but the leaves are looking quite pale, yellowing at the edges. I don' know the variety, but the leaves are about 3.5 x 1.5 inches, and thin. Could it be in transplant shock? Not getting enough water? Too much sun (although it's only the end of April, so hasn't been hot here in Victoria). Any advice is much appreciated. Don't want to lose it.
There is earlier discussion in this section on rhododendron sunburn. Do a search on "rhododendron sunburn" and see what you find, for threads and posts. Yes, apparently they can get badly sunburnt from sun in the winter and spring, and I think two of mine are suffering from that with crispy leaf-tips which go a nasty grey, but because the soil is correct where they are the leaves didn't yellow... After they bloom I will move them. Also, your soil may not be sufficiently humus-rich and acid, either... I think you should move them again, or plant some shading trees and shrubs nearby to create the protection from the sun. They will be suffering. Rhododendrons really do better in dappled shade, while some azaleas seem to like a bit more sun.
