Rhododendron - Dying?

[Gopwh2020]

I planted this rhododendron in May when it was healthy looking and was producing beautiful flowers. Now it looks like this in the picture. Leaves are brown and breaking apart. Plant sits in a spot where there used to be an old junk tree that I had taken out and the stump ground down. I pulled out most of the ground debris, added some dirt, and planted this. It faces west and gets full sun in the afternoon. I haven't noticed any bugs or things crawling on it. Thoughts? Is it salvageable?

Thanks!

[ken-n-nancy]

I planted this rhododendron in May when it was healthy looking and was producing beautiful flowers. Now it looks like this in the picture. Leaves are brown and breaking apart. ... Thoughts? Is it salvageable?

I've seen rhododendron come back from far worse. I definitely wouldn't give up on it yet; hopefully others will have some concrete recommendations on how to best help it.

[TimmyG]

I've had more mature rhododendrons look that bad in the heat and drought of summer up here (MA/NH border). I can't even imagine trying to grow rhodos in GA with any direct sun on them.

[ken-n-nancy]

I was curious, so I looked to Google, which came up with the following article, which was a quick read with excellent advice from the American Rhododendron Society:

http://www.rhododendron.org/v48n2p85.htm

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[Zareth]

Mine do better with 6 or less hours of sun