u/little-joys

I planted it around April 27th in a shady spot in my garden. I loosened the roots and planted it so that the soil was not covering the rootball. Per the advice from the nursery‘s helpful shrub guys, I added Bio-Tone Starter and Coast of Maine lobster compost when I planted it.

It was chilly but above 45 F when I planted it. It rained for a few days after. Beyond that, I didn’t water it much initially because I know they don’t like wet feet.

Now I’m concerned I under-watered it. I’ve been better at giving it water the past week or so but I’m not sure if I harmed it too much in the beginning.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Bonus context: This is the third rhododendron I’ve planted in the same spot. I’m starting to think I’m planting in a cursed spot (or that I just shouldn’t own rhododendrons!)

I have many other successful plants nearby including mountain witch alder, numerous heuchera and tiarella, a small Ruby Falls redbud, a big leaf hydrangea, an oakleaf hydrangea, various asters, and more. So I know my garden is at least acceptable for those plants.

I just noticed that a few of the flower buds are deformed. They look kind of twisty and elongated compared to the rest of the buds. This is a pretty big plant and I only found 3 flower heads like this. Everything else looks great

What’s wrong with it? Should I snip off those buds? Is this something that will affect the rest of the plant?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.