Nitrogen Problem?

[UnluckyGardener]

I have several PJM Rhododendrons that did not bloom this year and I was told it might be to much nitrogen from fertilizing, however, I have not fertilized. Does anyone know where the nitrogen would come from other than fertilizing? Could it come from cypress mulch?

[Newt]

Hi UnluckyGardener,

There really isn't enough info here to really be able to help you. You don't say how much sun your shrubs are getting as not enough could be the cause, if you have buds but they don't open or are discolored, etc. Are these recently planted? Did they bloom last year? Take a look here at diseases, especially bud blight.
http://www.flounder.ca/FraserSouth/basics/diseases.asp

If your rhodos are planted in or bordering a lawn that gets fertilized, that is where extra nitrogen could come from. If the cypress mulch was not aged it could be taking nitrogen out of the soil. Otherwise I see no cause for the cypress mulch to be a problem. You can also lookhere at the other possibilities and what rhodos need to see if any of that applies to yours.
http://www.flounder.ca/FraserSouth/basics.asp

I do not like most of their chemical recommendations, so I'd love to know what you find. Maybe we can find something more environmentally friendly.

Newt