what makes rhododendeons turn brown?

it looks like it needs water but that's not the case. it's turning brown on leaves and down the stems. parts are dead.

Answers:
Did you have a stretch of unusually hot weather? I also have a rhododendron which has some sad brown leaves which I attribute to a ridiculously hot heat wave earlier in the summer. It does have the flower buds for next year, although some of them are kind of toasty, too. I am theorizing that rhodies may not be keen on global warming....

Other answers:
There are many many flowers and plants that have the same problem of turning brown. In most cases, it's because they're being over watered. Most plants will let you know when they need water, which may not be as often as you might think, depending on the location of your home (not including the Mojave Desert) Ha Ha. In most cases as you know, brown means too much water, drooping branches means too little water, yellow leaves normally mean that the pH balance of your soil is too acidic. Great Question. Larry.
There are many many flowers and plants that have the same problem of turning brown. In most cases, it's because they're being over watered. Most plants will let you know when they need water, which may not be as often as you might think, depending on the location of your home (not including the Mojave Desert) Ha Ha. In most cases as you know, brown means too much water, drooping branches means too little water, yellow leaves normally mean that the pH balance of your soil is too acidic. Great Question. Larry.
Hopefully it's just last years leaves, and not the new growth that is turning brown. If that is the case, don't worry, it's normal. If it's the new growth too, then perhaps it could have been too wet. If you can, send me a picture.
Check out this website, I think it will tell you all you need to know. Good luck!
Often applying holly tone will correct this condition. My moms huge one had this happen and I hollytoned it for her and it helped tremedously..Make sure and scratch it into the soil really well.
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