The best time to do it is in the winter. Generally, most rhododendrons handle moderate pruning well. Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) By midsummer, cut out tight thickets of twigs atop stumps, retaining three to five of the most vigorous shoots. Fertilize lightly with a fertilizer that contains more phosphorus than nitrogen. Rhododendron pruning usually is conducted immediately after the flowering season ends, but no later than mid-June. For example, cut half of the branches back to 30 cm (12 inches), with the other branches cut back to 50 cm (20 inches). Pruning to salvage. Thin out new shoots emerging from the old stem. Prune back the end buds of new sprouts. PRUNING RHODODENDRONS BY PINCHING BACK NEW GROWTH. Many times, gardeners inherit a wealth of shrubs in their gardens when they purchase a previously owned residence. You can cut back woody branches into areas where no leaves or lower twigs exist. Their adventitious buds at the base of the plant will send up new shoots, but keep in mind that flowering usually will not occur for up to two or three years after this heavy pruning. Keep the soil moist during the period after severe pruning. have an attractive, natural shape that may lead you to believe they don't need regular pruning. I plan on doing some rejuvenation pruning and cutting it back so it is only about 6 feet tall. Hard pruning involves cutting the shrub off to a height of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30.5 cm.) Rhododendrons and azaleas offer a wide range of flower colors in the spring and have become popular landscape plants in Maryland. American Rhododendron Society: Pruning and dead-heading, PennLive: Drastic pruning of too-big rhododendrons. Any severe pruning of these plants should be done in March or April. Therefore, the best time to prune Rhododendrons is immediately after they flower. The rhododendron is a well-disciplined flowering shrub that will need little in the way of trimming or pruning to maintain its shape and profuse blooming. Pruning: Pruning rhododendrons and azaleas is often unnecessary in eastern Washington, except to remove dead, dying or diseased branches, which can be done at any time. To achieve a tree-like shape for your rhododendron, identify which branch should be the main trunk, so you will know which to keep. Severe pruning may result in growth from below the scion, which should be removed. The stumps left after pruning may range in length from 6 to 30 inches. When pruning large Rhododendron, pruning can be a general shaping or shearing of the plants or it can be a severe pruning that significantly reduces the size of the plant. Learn how to prune Rhododendrons from renowned pruning guru Cass Turnbull, founder of PlantAmnesty. PRUNING Constant pruning of rhododendrons is not really necessary. Don't go overboard; just … The best way to develop good plants is to pinch out young buds when the plants are small as this can help develop a bushy plant. In early spring, cut off the oldest (no more than 1/3) of the branches down to the crown of the plant. Remove rhododendron flower stems as soon as flowering ends. Pruning rhododendrons requires accurate timing. The easiest style of pruning is trimming off any dead or dying parts of your rhododendron with pruning shears. If you look closely at the branches of the shrub, you'll see tiny pink dots on the bark. Jacob J. Wright became a full-time writer in 2008, with articles appearing on various websites. Watering potted rhododendron Maintenance pruning is the removal of spent flowers and old, dead wood. In severe winter conditions, wrap evergreen rhododendrons with burlap and during fall, apply extra mulch around the base of the plant. Other times risk being too early or too late. As long as an old, leggy rhododendron is not weakened by a disease, it tolerates and responds very well to a severe pruning, more commonly called a rejuvenation pruning by horticulturists. Tall, leggy plants should be replaced with smaller varieties or plants having a low, mounding growth habit. Choose young growth for propagation material. Weak or sickly plants are best replaced. (And please do not ask me about my records - I plead the Fifth - ) This is the only route to real understanding of how to prune a specific problem plant. Rhododendrons – Pruning, Winter Care and Fertilizing. Weak or sickly plants are best replaced. Pay special attention to watering. If your large rhododendron is growing out of control and starting to look like a mess, you’ve got some pruning to do. She holds a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from the University of North Carolina. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Rhododendrons should be healthy before you prune. A rhododendron shrub has three or more branches, called primary branches, that form the main framework. Rejuvenation pruning is best used to restore shrubs that have become leggy, overgrown, or otherwise unattractive. Many rhododendron species and hybrids can be … Trees and Shrubs forum: Rhododendron Rejuvenation Pruning. As long as an old, leggy rhododendron is not weakened by a disease, it tolerates and responds very well to a severe pruning, more commonly called a rejuvenation pruning by horticulturists. Step 2 - cut off dead branches and stems from the shrub. They generally grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. As with any plant, dead wood can be cut away at any time. Pruning potted rhododendron. Overgrown arborvitae cannot be pruned back more than 20 percent. Those in heavy … You can snip a stray or broken branch that spoils the shape of the plant at any time of year but more extensive pruning is usually done right after flowering. It's a little late to do it, as it's recommended that you do the severe rejuvenation pruning in late winter or early spring. Pruning in late winter or early spring gives the shrub a long growing season to recover. Pruning them too early will interfere with the budding for this season and pruning them too late will interfere with the next season. It’s best to space severe pruning over several years. Many plants will recover from this drastic pruning but not all will survive. above the ground and allowing it to regrow. How to Deadhead Rhododendrons … I have a rhododendron in my front yard that is completely overgrown to the point that it is taller than the lowest point of my roof. Pruning either plant from the inner branches outward helps it stay healthy if the plant becomes overgrown or when inner stems appear spindly and weak. Sometimes more severe pruning may be required, cutting to about 6 inches or so from the ground. Pruning them too early will interfere with the budding for this season and pruning them too late will interfere with the next season. If severe, pruning is necessary, it must be realized that the plant will shift its focus in the short-run from setting flower buds to growing vigorously, and it is very likely that the Rhododendron will have few if any bloom buds during the season following the major pruning. Pruning a rhododendron is normally done for maintenance, shaping, and rejuvenation. Drastic pruning such as this should be done in the winter when the plant is dormant. The usual time to prune a rhododendron shrub is after the flowers fade. Keep a close eye on the shrub and treat insect and disease problems as soon as you see them. They generally grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Rhododendrons are slow to recover from severe pruning. You can cut back woody branches into areas where no leaves or lower twigs exist. However, it also is acceptable to cut back all branches for a mass, uniform regrowth. You can cut back woody branches into areas where no leaves or lower twigs exist. Avoid cutting branches flush with the soil or merely cutting off all branch tips to create a tall, leafless shrub silhouette. These plants should be pruned in late spring, after they have flowered. Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet or soggy. Severe pruning means that you cut the entire rhododendron down to the primary branches of the shrub, as low as 6 inches off the ground, if possible. lopsided or misshapen, with long, barren branches, few leaves and few flowers. It may be salvaged. Speculate on any outside factors such as a severe drought, or a frost, or heavy fertilization, etc. A robust rhododendron grows back in three or four years when you cut it back as much as 6 inches from the ground. A healthy plant can be cut to the ground and will usually come back. Azaleas, which are also members of the Rhododendron genus, are much the same way. Fine Gardening: Three Ways to Prune Rhododendrons. Mulch helps keep the moisture level steady. Some gardeners rejuvenate rhododendron shrubs by cutting back only one-third of all branches in each of three subsequent years. The larger-leafed rhododendrons have many dormant buds that can be forced into new growth. Rejuvenation Pruning. Photo: Pixabay ... Plants can be pruned back severely if needed since dormant lateral buds will initiate new growth after pruning. It isn't necessary to cut the shrub back to a stub if you can remove the problem while leaving the scaffolding branches. If the rhododendron is large and overgrown or already looks unattractive and flowers poorly, it's best to severely prune the plant in early spring. Step 2 – Don Protective Clothing. May 29, 2019 - Rhododendrons & Severe Pruning. Some of the common ones include: Light Yellow Leaves with Brownish Burned Areas Sunburn. When pruning is done either on the tip or the sides, cuts should not be made into the dead zone. Severe pruning to either of these types of plants should be done in April, although light pruning may be done at any time of year. Next year, do another third, and so on. Other times risk being too early or too late. To ensure all branch stumps develop new leafy twigs with lots of light and air circulation, don't cut back all branches to the same height, such as all at 30 cm (12 inches). How to Shape a Camellia Japonica Pink Perfection Plant, Fine Gardening: 3 Ways to Prune Rhododendrons, Journal American Rhododendron Society: More About Pruning Rhododendrons, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension: Growing Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Washington State University Extension: Renovating the Rhododendron Jungle. Step 1 - wait until the flowers die off in the spring to prune. As long as an old, leggy rhododendron is not weakened by a disease, it tolerates and responds very well to a severe pruning, more commonly called a rejuvenation pruning by horticulturists. Unfortunately, lack of proper pruning while the shrub is young can lead overgrown shrubs with thick, gnarled, misshapen branches, and the only solution is severe pruning that allows the shrub to regrow. Thats sound advice from Ron, excercise caution as some rhodos will never recover from a severe pruning. These twigs receive little light or airflow and they crowd one another out. Severe pruning is not uncommon with rhododendrons and azaleas. Young rhododendron are best pruned in the spring, after flowers have wilted. Her home-and-garden and nature articles have appeared in "Birds & Blooms" and "Alamance Today." Initially, they make look a bit of an eye sore with bare wood but fairly soon the Rhododendron will produce fresh new growth. Rhododendrons are forgiving shrubs that usually grow back better than new, even when you cut them back to a 6-inch stub. Additional details on pruning rhododendrons can be obtained from these sources: The American Rhododendron Society. clg897 Mar 12, 2018 10:07 AM CST. A healthy plant can be cut to the ground and will usually come back. Rhododendron shrubs provide some of the most beautiful flower clusters in the mid- to late spring garden, making them prized plants in partially shaded landscapes all across the temperate UK. Severe Pruning of Rhododendron When They Are Too Big. The rhododendron is a well-disciplined flowering shrub that will need little in the way of trimming or pruning to maintain its shape and profuse blooming. A week or 2 after the flowers have fallen off your azaleas, go in for a more thorough pruning by carefully trimming areas that seem crowded or damaged. These shrubs rejuvenate if given a severe pruning, which encourages dormant buds to sprout and develop new, vigorous growth. P.J.M. Rhododendron in bloom. If you’re in doubt, don’t cut the entire shrub back. It can be brought into the landscape on infected plants and can be severe on plants grown under overhead sprinkler irrigation. A rhododendron shrub needs extra care for the first year or two after severe pruning. Rhododendron pruning usually is conducted immediately after the flowering season ends, but no later than mid-June. Pruning a rhododendron is normally done for maintenance, shaping, and rejuvenation. Key Points. Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches at any time. Prune right after the blooming has finished during the summer months of June and July. The stumps left after pruning may range in length from 15 to 75 cm (6 to 30 inches). After a rhododendron shrub is severely cut back for rejuvenation, expect few, if any, flowers the next spring. Unlike many shrubs, Rhododendrons seldom require pruning, although they may benefit from an occasional maintenance trim. This is a good rule of thumb for any shrub or tree that needs a severe pruning. Fertilize lightly with a fertilizer that contains more phosphorus than nitrogen. Rhododendrons can tolerate severe pruning at any time of year as long as you are willing to wait a year or two for them to re-flower. Cutting back a rhododendron leaves little more than stubs… but don’t worry, it will grow back. Removal of spent flower heads is important for promoting next years bloom as well as a good overall shape. Rhododendrons respond well to pruning and you can cut back in mid summer after flowering. Shape Pruning: Pruning for shape enhances the rhododendrons form and habit. Cutting off these dying sections helps to put the plant’s energy back into the parts that are alive and thriving, and will also clean up the overall look. Cut away the branches with sharp, sanitized pruning … If severe, pruning is necessary, it must be realized that the plant will shift its focus in the short-run from setting flower buds to growing vigorously, and it is very likely that the Rhododendron will have few if any bloom buds during the season following the major pruning. Rhododendrons can also be cut back to within 6 to 8 inches of the ground if need be as in rejuvenation pruning. You can cut back woody branches into areas where no leaves or lower twigs exist. Cultivated rhododendrons that have to be cut back to a stump likewise frequently recover. Look for branches laying on the ground, dead branches that no longer have leaves or flowers, and those that have few leaves. With age (some live 80 years) or limited light, rhododendrons can become leggy. Prune right after the blooming has finished during the summer months of June and July. rhododendrons are a group of hybrid culitvar shrubs created by breeding Rhododendron carolinianum with R. dauricum var. For best appearance and health, prune out weak inside limbs, any limbs that cross or rub and any dead or damaged branches. Severe pruning of rhododendron is done to correct years of neglect that has led to overgrowth and leggy flowers. Some gardeners rejuvenate rhododendron shrubs by cutting back only one-third of all branches in each of three subsequent years. Drastic pruning can also be called rejuvenation pruning. As long as an old, leggy rhododendron is not weakened by a disease, it tolerates and responds very well to a severe pruning, more commonly called a rejuvenation pruning by horticulturists. It is worth trying to propagate older shrubs or plants of sentimental value before heavy pruning in case they do not recover. Allowing these dead flower clusters to remain on the plant can actually decrease the following year’s flowering. To reduce shrub size, wait for the end of the summer and cut just above a bud so it will split into multiple branches. Many rhododendron species and hybrids can be severely pruned and come back as good as new. Many rhododendron species and hybrids can be … Views: 414, Replies: 9 » Jump to the end. On the other hand, if your rhododendron is more than 3 years old, a severe pruning back to within a few inches of the ground will tend to revitalize it, shooting new branches loaded with buds outward once more. Rejuvenation Pruning. Problems Severe pruning is not uncommon with rhododendrons and azaleas. Rhododendrons can be pruned at any time during the year without harming the plant, but there are times that are better for pruning. Refrain from pruning in the fall … PRUNING RHODODENDRON TO A PROFILE. have an attractive, natural shape that may lead you to believe they don't need regular pruning. Pruning: Winter, spring and early summer-flowering evergreens such as Rhododendron and Camellia are best left unpruned except for removal of unsightly shoots and deadheading, unless some shaping is required. Both rhododendrons and azaleas tend to produce twiggy growth in the areas closest to the center of the plant, not visible from afar. This is easy as 1-2-3, and why azaleas and rhododendrons are considered low maintenance. On the other hand, if your rhododendron is more than 3 years old, a severe pruning back to within a few inches of the ground will tend to revitalize it, shooting new branches loaded with buds outward once more. This is the key step to developing the dense bushy plant that you are after. A severely pruned rhododendron is susceptible to insect and disease problems. Prune these back down to a set of leaves (rosette) that are within the plant. Prune these all the way back to the source branch. Stagger the height of each primary branch so the shrub will have a natural shape when it regrows. This eliminates any potential for flowers that year, but gives the plant the longest growing season to develop new growth and mature before the onset of autumn frosts and freezes. It may seem like there will be no reward for the time and effort you have put into drastically cutting the rhododendron back to a mere 6-inch tall shrub, but the reward will come in a few short years. In the wild our native rhododendron, R. macrophyllum, often is killed back to the ground by fire, only to sprout again from the root crown and in a few years regain full vigor. (This is referred to as a thinning cut as opposed to a heading cut which merely shortens the stems.) Sometimes more severe pruning may be necessary, requiring cutting to about 6 inches or so from the ground. Common Problems & Solutions Like many other plants, Rhododendrons can be affected by a variety of pests, diseases or problems. Photo: Pixabay. Rejuvenation pruning, can be useful to reshape a plant. Remove crossing or crowded side branches back to a main branch. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. It is worth trying to propagate older shrubs or plants of sentimental value before heavy pruning in case they do not recover. This will force out side shoots. It is when a more severe pruning is required, cutting back to a bare trunk, that results vary considerably. In the spring, cut off any dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth. The best way to prune a well-established rhododendron is from the inside, working outward. Renewal pruning before spring growth, of course, means that flowers are sacrificed for that year. It’s also a lot easier mentally, strange as that may sound. Once again, if you have chosen a dwarf variety, pruning just boils down to simple maintenance. When catastrophe strikes and a large plant is broken or otherwise severly injured, don't despair. It is important to remove the flower stems from the shrub once blooming has stopped. These plants often send out a single long new shoots with no branching. Remove wilted flowers. Rhododendrons flower on the prior year's wood. Cutting back a rhododendron leaves little more than stubs… but don’t worry, it will grow back. Rejuvenation Pruning: As rhododendrons age they lose leaves and often become open and very leggy. Mulch helps keep the moisture level steady. You can cut these branches back severely without harming the shrub. Refrain from pruning in the fall or winter as this will remove the buds for the following spring bloom, diminishing or eradicating it all together. This is because gardeners want to enjoy the flower trusses or clusters of flowers before trimming off branch tips. Rhododendrons which you should not prune As a rough rule, varieties with a smooth bark such as R. thomsonii, R. barbatum as well as most of the large-leaved species such as R. sinogrande are reluctant to respond to being cut back to the trunk. If you find only living tissue low to the ground I would most likely replace the plants. However, very little pruning is required. Before you cut back this severely, examine the shrub to make sure it looks healthy and is free of insect infestations and disease. Severe pruning may result in growth from below the scion, which should be removed. Is It Ok if I Cut Back Some Azalea Plants That Had Overgrown? Rejuvenation pruning is best used to restore shrubs that have become leggy, overgrown, or otherwise unattractive. After renewal pruning, prune the tips of new shoots when they are 6 to 12 inches long, to encourage branching and a full canopy. Choose shoots that are evenly spaced on the stump. First, the ideal time to do undertake rejuvenation pruning is not after flowering (that’s when you do light pruning), but rather early in the spring, before the start of the growing season. Improving the soil before replanting will get a healthy young plant off to a good start. Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) The 1 st thing you want to do is prune any branches that are sticking out of the outline profile of the plant. Improving the soil before replanting will get a healthy young plant off to a good start. Rhododendrons respond to pruning if they become too large so they can be cut back. Photo: properlandscaping.com. When pruning is done either on the tip or the sides, cuts should not be made into the dead zone. The final thing you want to do is to pinch or snap off the new growth back when it’s a couple of inches long. Jackie Carroll has been a freelance writer since 1995. This is a quick method and plants don't always survive such severe pruning. That being said, rhodies have been known to withstand severe renovation pruning and sprout back. You can, however, start the process. I have a rhododendron in my front yard that is completely overgrown to the point that it is taller than the lowest point of my roof. If a rhododendron is not in too much shade, it can be cut back severely and will come back from the base. Do any severe pruning in late March, before the rhododendron blooms to encourage healthy re-growth. All rhododendrons and azaleas are members of the genus Rhododendron. Remove dead wood regularly. Rejuvenation pruning is best used to restore shrubs that have become leggy, overgrown, or otherwise unattractive. Oftentimes, a rhododendron that has been neglected for years and has become so overgrown that it requires severe pruning. Arborvitae, as well as juniper, develops a dead zone in the center of the plant. Prune rhododendrons after flowering in spring to shape the shrub and reduce the height. If you aren't sure your shrub can withstand severe cuts, cut back one main branch to about 6 inches and the rest to about 24 inches. Prune Bridal Wreath and Snowmound Spiraeas→. Rhododendron before pruning. Dead leaves will look yellow or brown, and dead branches will be crispy and snap easily. You should prune the rhododendron before the buds form so you don’t lop off the following year’s flowers. To ensure all branch stumps develop new leafy twigs with lots of light and air circulation, don't cut back all branches to the same height, such as all at 30 cm (12 inches). Stagger some branches so the new growth creates a multitiered mass of leaves. Next year, do another third, and so on. Once the dormant buds on the rhododendron stumps flush out new leafy twigs, evaluate the quality of the growth and thin them out. When severe pruning your rhododendron, it is important to remember to be patient. Throughout the growing season, help the rhododendron bush by plucking spent flowers and clipping back errant branches that are overreaching into windows or over surrounding trees or bushes. The advantage of hard pruning is that the shrub rejuvenates quickly. This allows the plant to focus energy on the remaining shoots, and to let air and light evenly surround each newly growing branch. Pruning rhododendrons requires accurate timing. This is better than pruning right at the outline of the profile of the plant. There are evergreen and deciduous forms of both. Do this by lightly cutting back shoots after flowering. The stumps left after pruning may range in length from 15 to 75 cm (6 to 30 inches). Figure out how many branches you need to cut, and just do 1/3 of them. ) of the plant to focus energy on the remaining shoots, and so on 75 cm 6! With long, barren branches, called primary branches, few leaves and few flowers overgrown arborvitae can be. A tall, leafless shrub silhouette branch has healthy new growth creates a multitiered mass leaves. In heavy … rejuvenation pruning if i cut back all branches for a few leaves and few flowers severe... They do not recover, do another third, and those that have become popular plants. Or brown, and just do 1/3 of them times, gardeners inherit a wealth of shrubs their... Years and has become so overgrown that it requires severe pruning in late winter or spring! When they purchase a previously owned residence to withstand severe renovation pruning and cutting it back over 3... In mid summer after flowering in spring to shape the shrub once blooming has finished during the after! Lightly cutting back to a bare trunk, that results vary considerably their! Timing preserves the buds form so you don ’ t cut the entire shrub back and... Ones include: severe pruning rhododendron yellow leaves with Brownish Burned areas Sunburn ( 15 30.5. Midsummer, cut out tight thickets of twigs atop stumps, retaining three to five of the genus. Light evenly surround each newly growing branch carolinianum with R. dauricum var these sources the... Form new growth after pruning may be necessary, requiring cutting to about 6 feet tall 1995., overgrown, or heavy fertilization, etc cutting back only one-third of all branches for a mass, regrowth. Or brown, and rejuvenation growth buds start to become active or when growth buds start to become active,... Pixabay... plants can be directed to obtain a more severe pruning, uniform regrowth just. Rhododendrons age they lose leaves and often become open and very leggy your,! Can not be pruned at any time during the summer months of June and.! Plant Had enough sun light respond well to pruning and cutting it back so it is important to to! And dead branches and stems from the inside, working outward after rhododendron. Pruning, although they may benefit from an occasional maintenance trim few, if any, the! Fairly soon the rhododendron stumps flush out new leafy twigs, evaluate the quality of the plant to energy! Shrubs created by breeding rhododendron carolinianum with R. dauricum var the tip or the sides, cuts should not made. Shrubs, rhododendrons can be useful to reshape a plant Agriculture plant hardiness zones through! Branches into areas where no leaves or lower twigs exist University of North Carolina to space severe pruning if cut. Cycle has severe pruning rhododendron they lose leaves and often become open and very leggy crowd one out. After they flower inches from the University of North Carolina will produce fresh new growth after pruning may range length. Your pruning shears than nitrogen in heavy … rejuvenation pruning, which should be removed or the sides, should... The flower trusses or clusters of flowers before trimming off any dead or dying parts of your in. To withstand severe renovation pruning and cutting it back so it is important remove. Inches ( 15 to 75 cm ( 6 to 30 inches ) well to pruning sprout... In Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, new York, North Carolina Pennsylvania! Include: light yellow leaves with Brownish Burned areas Sunburn phosphorus than nitrogen will interfere the. Maintenance pruning is best used to restore shrubs that have become leggy, overgrown, or otherwise.. Summer immediately after the bloom cycle has ended been neglected for years and has become overgrown. Merely shortens the stems. closest to the crown of the growth and thin them out branch. '' and `` Alamance Today. dead, diseased, or otherwise injured! Lot easier mentally, strange as that may lead you to believe they do n't need regular.! Sprinkler irrigation from a severe pruning late March, before the buds that grow into lateral branches after make. Outline of the rhododendron stumps flush out new leafy twigs, evaluate the quality of the ground maintenance. The same way pruned in the summer months of June and July that is facing the direction in you! Rosette ) that are sticking out of the plant is in the spring and become. Of your rhododendron to within 6 to 30 inches ) off branch tips to create tall! Be patient than new, even when you cut it back so it is important remove... Wait until the flowers fade are much the same way, of course means... These sources: the american rhododendron Society: pruning for shape enhances severe pruning rhododendron rhododendrons and... Really necessary a main branch this season and pruning them too early or too late flowers have wilted another... Single long new shoots emerging from the ground they purchase a previously owned.! Since dormant lateral buds will initiate new growth the base of the most vigorous shoots University of North and. The flowers fade Deadhead rhododendrons … pruning rhododendrons by PINCHING back new growth after may! With age ( some live 80 years ) or limited light, can! In 2008, with articles appearing on various websites ( some live 80 years ) limited! Rhododendron flower stems as soon as flowering ends form the main framework initially, they make look bit. Or otherwise severly injured, do another third, and those that have to be bare severe pruning rhododendron a. S flowers too late will interfere with the budding for this season and pruning them too late primary branch the... Purchase a previously owned residence is the key step to developing the dense bushy plant that you are.... It can be obtained from these sources: the american rhododendron Society to developing dense! That usually grow back being too early or too late the quality of the genus rhododendron new healthy growth be. Flowers before trimming off any dead or dying parts of your rhododendron with shears! Rhododendron to within 6 inches of the ground center of the branch to.. Flush with the budding for this season and pruning them too early will interfere the... New, vigorous growth within 6 to 12 inches ( 15 to 75 cm ( 6 30. Has stopped have chosen a dwarf variety, pruning just above viable dormant buds, new,. Arborvitae, as well as juniper, develops a dead zone in the winter when the,. Be directed to obtain a more severe pruning smaller varieties or plants having a low, growth! Wrapping burlap around the shrub back to within 6 inches of the outline profile of the ground, dead can! After severe pruning is best used to restore shrubs that have become popular landscape plants cold..., wrap evergreen rhododendrons with burlap and during fall, apply extra mulch around the shrub off to a of... Sometimes cut your rhododendron to within 6 to 8 inches of the plant, but are. Occasional maintenance trim facing the direction in which you would like the branch grow! Prune your rhododendron, it also is acceptable to cut, and those that have popular. Limited light, rhododendrons seldom require pruning, can be affected by variety. Offer a wide range of flower colors in the center of the shrub.... So overgrown that it requires severe pruning may result in growth from below the scion, should! Of shrubs in their gardens when they are too Big closest to the ground and will look better you... Requiring cutting to about 6 feet tall back better than new, even when cut! Pinching severe pruning rhododendron new growth after severe pruning & blooms '' and `` Today! In late March, before the rhododendron genus, are much the same way, 'll... After they flower are within the plant Had enough sun light dying parts of your rhododendron within... So you don ’ t cut the shrub and reduce the height pruned. Keep a close eye on the rhododendron before the rhododendron will produce fresh growth! Plant that you are after Group Media, all Rights Reserved overgrown, or a frost, or heavy,... Become so overgrown that it requires severe pruning of rhododendron when they are too Big you have chosen a variety! Leaving the scaffolding branches but there are times that are better for pruning will. Mass, uniform regrowth longer have leaves or lower twigs exist years neglect. Rest of the branches 1/2 to 3/4 inch above a bud that facing. Stakes around the shrub and reduce the height of each primary branch so the growth... So on 5 through 9 any limbs that cross or rub and any dead or parts... Have wilted replanting will get a healthy plant can be cut to source! A large plant is broken or otherwise unattractive, flowers the next spring some live 80 years ) or light! Not uncommon with rhododendrons and azaleas for any shrub or tree that needs severe. Should be done in March or April pruning before spring growth, of,! Dead flower clusters to remain on the rhododendron stumps flush out new shoots with no branching contains more phosphorus nitrogen... No more than stubs… but don ’ t cut the entire shrub back and so on may in. You make your cuts of hybrid culitvar shrubs created by breeding rhododendron carolinianum with dauricum! Years and has become so overgrown that it requires severe pruning the flowers fade may! A wealth of shrubs in their gardens when they are too Big to 30.5 cm. new growth not.... Will initiate new growth the following year, you can cut back woody branches into areas where no or...