when to trim rhododendron

Spring is the best time of the year to prune because a flush of new growth occurs at this time. This applies to both evergreen and deciduous azalea varieties.

When To Prune A Dwarf Rhododendron

This growth will become next years old.

. If these dead flowers and wood are left on the plant the amount of blossoming produced the following year may be reduced. Ideally perform pruning immediately after flowering May to mid-June. Because a rhododendron is ornamental you have both of those options and both have their pro and cons. This is when they are technically dormant for winter and less likely to suffer.

When should you cut back rhododendrons. Thats because they love to build their summer homes in rhodies. Fourth if youre pruning in spring summer or autumn be sure to check for hornet nests. Dont try to do all of it at the same time.

This process takes off many of the rhododendron branches. Light pruning after flowering is a suitable method for cutting the rhododendron into shape and removing diseased and overhanging shoots. Most pruning is best down bwteen late winter after the first frost and right up to the last frost in spring. The simplest form of pruning is deadheading which encourages the plant to put its energy into new growth rather than producing seed.

It is unlikely that the plant will survive a single shot surgery but it is possible that it will make a strong recovery. Although the plant is bare for a. Shaping is most easily done in late winter while the plant is dormant. Many rhododendron species and hybrids can be severely pruned and come back as good as new.

Pruning can be done in the early spring when the plants are sparse and the site has grown too large. Each branch is cut at a different height to produce a staggered arrangement that will make the shrub look natural when the new shoots mature. You can prune rhododendrons to keep them in shape remove spent flowers to serve energy rejuvenate the plant or remove diseased or dead bits. Certain dwarf rhododendron varieties can grow up to 6 feet tall so branches on mature shrubs can be quite sturdy.

The plant is dormant so you have less chance of insect or disease issues that might pop up in the cool humid late spring and summer. To shape a rhododendron follow the branch down to the last whorl of leaves you want to keep and cut it off at the end. Third dont prune rhododendrons if it is frozen outside. Undertake this task in winter while your rhododendron is dormant or in spring when flowers have faded.

Use a pruning saw to cut the plant back to a trunk with no leaves if serious. Maintenance pruning simply refers to pruning the plant to keep it healthy while removing dead flowers and wood. The best time of year to prune rhododendron is in the spring after flowering. When pruning a rhododendron pay attention to the following things.

Thats because you can easily break a branch. When to prune a rhododendron. Rejuvenation pruning is best used to restore shrubs that have become leggy overgrown or otherwise unattractive. Learn how to prune Rhododendrons from renowned pruning guru Cass Turnbull founder of PlantAmnesty.

PlantAmnestys mission is to end the senseless torture a. The best time to prune rhododendrons is after a full flush of blooms. It ensures a complete growing season for the new stems that emerge even though some of the flower buds are sacrificed. Pruned at this time the plant has plenty of time to develop new wood.

Pruning in the late winter I call my slash and burn school of pruning. Use clean and sharp pruning shears. And this is extra true of neglected plants. When should rhododendrons be pruned.

The best time to carry out heavy pruning of rhododendrons is in February to March when the plant has plenty of energy after the winter and just before the sap rises in the spring explains David Millais. As soon as the shrub has finished flowering in spring you can remove the spent flowers cutting just above a set of leaves. The new growth occurs from the lateral shoots along the stems as. Rhododendrons should be clipped for yearly maintenance in late winter while the plant is dormant.