Newer bushes seem to have some kind of disease on them

[jhilb]

Four plants, newer bushes, planted last summer, in front of house.

Last year they were great. This year the leaves are brown, yellow, and seem diseased.

Anything I can do to save these?

It's just these bushes. The others near, and a tree, don't seem affected.

Any advice appreciated.

Note, in the rear of the house we suddenly had a box elder do the same thing. That box elder was one in a row of 5. Only 1 affected, but same symptoms, went very brown, very quickly.

John

 

[Mrsclem]

Are they rhodendrons? They don't do well in full sun

 

[jhilb]

They are. I have 4 on the left front of house, another 4 on the right front of house.

It's the right 4 that are not surviving. I guess I picked the wrong shrub for the exposure. However, there has been little sun so far this season. Been raining constantly for weeks.

 

[Mrsclem]

The black mulch is probably holding the heat as well.

 

[jhilb]

Mulch is wet. It's the normal brown stuff. I did recently put mulch down but the brown leaves started before that.

 

[posiepurrs]

I am not sayin this is your problem because I agree the location is to sunny, but here is a quote from the American Rhododendron Societys website:
" Avoid planting azaleas near concrete sidewalks, driveways or foundations that may leach out lime which raises the pH. " Looks like yours were next to a concrete foundation.

 

[jhilb]

Agreed. I am going to have to tear them out.