Any idea why these rhododendron flowers look like this?

Asking for a friend! Any ideas why the flowers look like this - the rest of the plant looks healthy but I haven't seen it myself, just going from the photos. All suggestions gratefully received, thank you all

 

I would have a guess and say it's due to lack of moisture last summer. This happens when the flower buds are developing and the plant being stressed due to lack of water / moisture.

 

IMHO it looks more like it's not flowering at all, they're just new leaves, protected by those pinky growths until they emerge. Worth waiting a couple of weeks to see what happens.

 

I think they look like new leaves too.

Have a look at this web page - scroll down to the section "New growth" and see what you think.

 

Hi

they are new shoots appearing, and doesn’t have a flower

look normal to me. Is it a new plant say within two years as when planted out they do romp away with new growth and they will settle down to flower in years to come

 

Most of mine are like this which is nothing unusual I think they are new leaves

 

I also think it's a sign of a healthy plant.