Wilting Rhododendrom

Lss

We were unable to water our rhododendron (4 feet high, purple flowers) for about 7 weeks, through some very hot weather. Now the leaves and flowers are mainly wilting, going brown and falling off. We've tried soaking it really well 3 or 4 times but it's made no difference. There's a tiny bit of sprouty new growth right on the top. What do I do? Cut back to very old wood? I don't want bare twigs with a few leaves at the top.

amancalledgeorge

Seven weeks is a very long time for such a moisture loving plant. Hope it's in the ground as if it's in a pot you may as well bin it. Can you post a picture to see the size of the plant, as it will make a difference in how you can interfere. 

Lss

Lss

Thanks for such a quick reply - yes it's in the ground - the gravel doesn't go completely up to it - there's a patch of earth around.

amancalledgeorge said:

Seven weeks is a very long time for such a moisture loving plant. Hope it's in the ground as if it's in a pot you may as well bin it. Can you post a picture to see the size of the plant, as it will make a difference in how you can interfere.