Question
QUESTION: Hello Tom,
I am heartsick, I have 3 large Rhododendron Bushes in a Shady area of my property. They are over 30 years old. We had a brutally cold and snowy winter this year and I have noticed that 80% of the plants are dying. The leaves are shriveled. Towards the bottom of the plants I see healthy leaves.
We have had cold winters before and they were never affected like this. Is there any way I can save them?
Thanks,
Carol

ANSWER: Hi Carol,
Thanx for your question.  Where are you located?  Do you know the variety of rhododendrons you have?
thx,
Tom

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QUESTION: Hi Tom,
We live in Northeastern NJ. I believe the rhododendrons are either blue rhapsody or black satin.
Thnx,
Carol

Answer
Hi Carol,
Thanx for your question.  If you are seeing new leaves then the root ball of the plant is still alive.  You may have had some considerable damage to the rest of the plant but it sounds to me like the plant is still alive and trying to come out of it.  Sometimes old plants can be susceptible to disease and weakness and just the right cold spell comes along and gives them the old once over and the plant takes it very badly but doesn't die.  I would wait and see how much the plant leafs out and then start pruning off and removing all the dead material.  Allow the plant to heal itself.  I believe it will.  In a couple weeks, give it a feeding of Miracid or some other type of Rhododenron food following the directions on the package.  Make sure the plant has sufficient water if you're not having regular precipitation.

Here is a link to the Tappan Zee Chapter of the American Rhododenron Society.  You might want to get in touch with them as they would have good advice for your local conditions.

http://www.tappanzee.org/

I hope this helps.
Tom