Yellow Leaves on Magnolia and Rhododendron

Q: Hi Ken, I listen to you on BBC Essex.  My problem is my magnolia and my rhododendrons.  Both shrubs leaves are turning yellow can you help?

A: Dear Vic, Excessive water through last summer and winter has caused many problems with plants like magnolia and camelia’s and I am hoping that the excess water will not cause the roots to die and therefore result in the death of the tree.  So, on a cheerful note lets look on the positive side which is that the plant is lacking iron and I would suggest that you water with an acid feed ideally for rhodendrons and ericaceous plants.  Another good method is to use a hose end feeder with an acid feed and spray all over the leaves.  Not in sunny weather, which we are not having much of of late.  This will get the nutrients into the plant quicker.