What time of year do you cut back rhododendrons?

A: While it is possible to prune these plants anytime from early spring to mid-summer, the recommended time to prune is immediately after blooming. This is because the plants begin to form next year’s blooms soon after shedding the current year’s flowers.

How far back can I cut a rhododendron?

Depending on how big the rhododendron is, you may be able to cut back 15 to 20 inches of each branch of the plant. Because the rhododendron species are not meant to be cut in a shape, each primary branch that you cut should be cut at different heights to make the shrub appear natural.

Can rhododendrons be cut back hard?

In severe cases, you can sometimes cut your rhododendron to within 6 inches of the ground. Another type of rejuvenation pruning consists of cutting the entire plant to within 6 inches of the ground. To see if your shrub can handle such a hard pruning, cut only one of the main branches back to 6 inches.

Are coffee grounds good for rhododendrons?

It’s always a good idea to add coffee grounds to compost, but mixing it directly into the soil can help balance alkaline soil or give a boost of acidity for plants that prefer a lower pH, like hydrangeas or rhododendrons.

Should I remove dead flowers from rhododendron?

Deadheading prevents the flowers from going to seed and rhododendrons should be deadheaded too in order to give the plant energy for more flower production next year. Just break off the spent flower using your thumb and forefinger.

Can you hard prune rhododendron?

Should you have an old, established rhododendron that needs to be given a new lease of life, heavy pruning is possible. Choose a frost-free day in February or March and cut back branches hard to one of the tiny, dormant buds. If necessary, you can coppice the plant down to around 150cm tall.

Should rhododendrons be pruned?

Although there is often little need for pruning rhododendrons, especially in naturalized settings, these shrubs respond well to the occasional trimming. In fact, excessive growth may require a heavy pruning. It is important to remove the flower stems from the shrub once blooming has ceased.

What is the best fertilizer for rhododendrons?

We suggest using Fertilome Azalea, Rhododendron, Camellia Food which should to be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season between flowering in spring and bud set in early fall. Liquid fertilizers can be applied as a supplement, but we highly suggest a slow release granular-based fertilizer for outdoor shrubs.

Are eggshells good for rhododendrons?

After you’ve cracked a couple of eggs to make breakfast, rinse out the eggshells to feed to your flowering bushes. Crush the shells with your hands, and sprinkle the powder near flowering bushes like rhododendrons and hydrangeas. Your plants will thrive from the calcium boost the eggshells provide.

What to do with a rhododendron after flowering?

As soon as the shrub has finished flowering in spring you can remove the spent flowers, cutting just above a set of leaves. This is also a good time to remove dead, dying or diseased branches.

When to prune rhododendrons for special effects?

Pruning for special effects. Sometimes it is desirable to prune a group of rhododendrons so that the foliage on one side is allowed to cascade nearly to the ground and that on the other side is pruned high to reveal the beauty of the trunk and large branches.

What kind of tool do you need to prune a rhododendron?

Decide what tool you need for your rhododendron size. Older and more established rhododendrons may need a chainsaw to cut through the large woody branches, especially toward the middle of the plant. Hand saws and pruning shears are helpful for smaller, less established branches, or when you are cutting less of the rhododendron.

How big should I cut back my Rhododendron?

For example, cut half of the branches back to 12 inches, with the other branches cut back to 20 inches. Once the dormant buds on the rhododendron stumps flush out new leafy twigs, evaluate the quality of the growth and thin them out. By midsummer, cut out tight thickets of twigs atop stumps, retaining three to five of the most vigorous shoots.

What’s the best way to clean up dead rhododendrons?

Clean-Up Pruning: Removal of dead, diseased or damaged branches can be done at any time. Tools to use depend on the size of the branch, small branches can be removed with a pruning shear, larger branches require a lopper or pruning saw. Broken branches should be cut just above a dormant bud.