"Jenny" wrote in message
...
We planted two of these 2 1/2 weeks ago. One now has curling leaves,
some
misshapen and was full of tiny spiders and inchworms.

The lady from the "Master Gardener" program told me they need more water.

The nursery that grows them and sold them to me told me they were over
watered.

These rhodos are foundation plantings planted in a mixture of
humus/manure,
peat, and topsoil. The ground drains well around them. We've had a very
wet
year in MA in general, so the ground has been damp, but it hasn't rained
much the past couple weeks.

I gave the wilting plant a spraying with insecticidal soap

Do I water or not water?????

Unfortunately, not a simple answer without seeing the plants and knowing the
conditions. Both overwatering and underwatering can produce the same
distressed appearance. Check to see how deeply they were planted - the top
of the root ball should be slightly higher than the surrounding soil. Even
in damp weather, newly planted shrubs and trees will need a good soaking to
settle them in, then only water again - deeply - when the top 3-4 inches of
soil becomes dry to the touch. Continue this practice throughout the growing
season.

The insects are an indication the plants are stressed. Relieve the stress
and the insects will take care of themselves.

If I had to bet money on the problem, I'd guess first the rhodies are
planted too deeply - a very common planting mistake.

pam - gardengal