rhododendron problems

[vp]

Hello,

I have two identical rhododendrons two meters apart from each other, in the same flowerbed. One is blooming every year and looks healthy. The other looks sick and produces no flowers but much short growth on the top of every branch, three four new branches 10 - 15 cm long from every branch and doesn't do nothing else. The leaves look unhealthy. Can anyone suggest what may be wrong? A virus, a disease, lack of some nutrients? It is the one on the right and to the front, on this picture:

one behind, slightly to the left, is the healthy one, as you can see, it has many purple flowers.

More closeups of the unhealthy one:

for any suggestions, xxxxxxvladimipatuniservedotcomxxxxxx

[Pam - gardengal]

My first impression is that these are older plants which have seriously outgrown their planting situation (much too close to the structure) and have been overly pruned to an unpleasing shape and habit. Beyond that, it is difficult to determine what exactly is the problem without knowing specific siting, soil and water conditions and other cultural details. The plant in question looks to be suffering primarily from physiological stress rather than insects or disease - the result of an unfavorable planting situation and/or lack of proper cultural care.

pam - gardengal