This will force out side shoots. All rhododendrons can be pruned to maintain their natural habit, but to try to keep a tall growing rhododendron small or low growing is not practical. Allowing these dead flower clusters to remain on the plant can actually decrease the following year’s flowering. Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet or soggy. Other times risk being too early or too late. Step 2 - cut off dead branches and stems from the shrub. Step 1 - wait until the flowers die off in the spring to prune. Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) clg897 Mar 12, 2018 10:07 AM CST. When pruning is done either on the tip or the sides, cuts should not be made into the dead zone. Maintenance pruning is the removal of spent flowers and old, dead wood. 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. 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. Rhododendrons should be healthy before you prune. Prune your rhododendron in the summer immediately after the bloom cycle has ended. Rhododendron in bloom. above the ground and allowing it to regrow. Trees and Shrubs forum: Rhododendron Rejuvenation Pruning. The stumps left after pruning may range in length from 6 to 30 inches. It’s also a lot easier mentally, strange as that may sound. The advantage of hard pruning is that the shrub rejuvenates quickly. Rhododendron pruning usually is conducted immediately after the flowering season ends, but no later than mid-June. 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. 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. 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. And our guide to Azalea and Rhododendron Maintenance. It's easier on the plant and will look better if you plan on pruning it back over a 3 year time period. Maintenance pruning is the removal of spent flowers and old, dead wood. Hard pruning involves cutting the shrub off to a height of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30.5 cm.) 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. 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. Apr 12, 2015 - Rhododendrons & Severe Pruning. Thats sound advice from Ron, excercise caution as some rhodos will never recover from a severe pruning. Weak or sickly plants are best replaced. However, Richard Colbert reported that such attempts at Tyler Arboretum were only successful if the plant had enough sun light. How to Deadhead Rhododendrons … A severely pruned rhododendron is susceptible to insect and disease problems. Rejuvenation pruning is best used to restore shrubs that have become leggy, overgrown, or otherwise unattractive. Pruning them too early will interfere with the budding for this season and pruning them too late will interfere with the next season. 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. Rejuvenation Pruning. Improving the soil before replanting will get a healthy young plant off to a good start. Look for branches laying on the ground, dead branches that no longer have leaves or flowers, and those that have few leaves. In severe winter conditions, wrap evergreen rhododendrons with burlap and during fall, apply extra mulch around the base of the plant. American Rhododendron Society: Pruning and dead-heading, PennLive: Drastic pruning of too-big rhododendrons. Transplanting can be done anytime during the growing season but is best during fall or early spring as the plants are dormant due to the cool temperatures. This timing preserves the buds that already formed for next year's flowers. The 1 st thing you want to do is prune any branches that are sticking out of the outline profile of the plant. Prune right after the blooming has finished during the summer months of June and July. 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. 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. It can be brought into the landscape on infected plants and can be severe on plants grown under overhead sprinkler irrigation. They generally grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Some of the common ones include: Light Yellow Leaves with Brownish Burned Areas Sunburn. 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. Pruning rhododendrons requires accurate timing. Learn how to prune Rhododendrons from renowned pruning guru Cass Turnbull, founder of PlantAmnesty. Step 2 – Don Protective Clothing. Some gardeners rejuvenate rhododendron shrubs by cutting back only one-third of all branches in each of three subsequent years. Problems Because severe pruning prevents flowering the following year, you don't have to worry about preserving the flower buds, and it's best to prune as early as possible. 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. Young rhododendron are best pruned in the spring, after flowers have wilted. Sometimes more severe pruning may be required, cutting to about 6 inches or so from the ground. 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. Remove rhododendron flower stems as soon as flowering ends. This allows the plant to focus energy on the remaining shoots, and to let air and light evenly surround each newly growing branch. They generally grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. If the 6-inch branch has healthy new growth the following year, you can safely cut back the rest of the branches. Figure out how many branches you need to cut, and just do 1/3 of them. Prune Bridal Wreath and Snowmound Spiraeas→. Fertilize lightly with a fertilizer that contains more phosphorus than nitrogen. It is worth trying to propagate older shrubs or plants of sentimental value before heavy pruning in case they do not recover. 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. This is a good rule of thumb for any shrub or tree that needs a severe pruning. Rhododendrons and azaleas have dormant buds beneath the bark which sprout to form new growth after severe pruning. I plan on doing some rejuvenation pruning and cutting it back so it is only about 6 feet tall. 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). 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. 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. This is a quick method and plants don't always survive such severe pruning. PRUNING Constant pruning of rhododendrons is not really necessary. Some gardeners rejuvenate rhododendron shrubs by cutting back only one-third of all branches in each of three subsequent years. Unlike many shrubs, Rhododendrons seldom require pruning, although they may benefit from an occasional maintenance trim. The easiest style of pruning is trimming off any dead or dying parts of your rhododendron with pruning shears. Pruning a rhododendron is normally done for maintenance, shaping, and rejuvenation. Pay special attention to watering. have an attractive, natural shape that may lead you to believe they don't need regular pruning. The disadvantages of this type of pruning are that not all shrubs tolerate drastic cutting, and, until the plant regrows, you are left with an unsightly stub. Arborvitae, as well as juniper, develops a dead zone in the center of the plant. Rhododendrons are slow to recover from severe pruning. Choose young growth for propagation material. Don't worry about cutting back too much. When pruning is done either on the tip or the sides, cuts should not be made into the dead zone. Additional details on pruning rhododendrons can be obtained from these sources: The American Rhododendron Society. If a rhododendron is not in too much shade, it can be cut back severely and will come back from the base. Photo: properlandscaping.com. Do this by lightly cutting back shoots after flowering. Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) It is important to remove the flower stems from the shrub once blooming has stopped. He has worked professionally at gardens in Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. If you’re in doubt, don’t cut the entire shrub back. Rhododendrons flower on the prior year's wood. 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). Any severe pruning of these plants should be done in March or April. 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. This is easy as 1-2-3, and why azaleas and rhododendrons are considered low maintenance. The best time to do it is in the winter. Weak or sickly plants are best replaced. 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. Views: 414, Replies: 9 » Jump to the end. This is better than pruning right at the outline of the profile of the plant. 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. Photo: Pixabay ... Plants can be pruned back severely if needed since dormant lateral buds will initiate new growth after pruning. Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches at any time. 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. You can cut back woody branches into areas where no leaves or lower twigs exist. For best appearance and health, prune out weak inside limbs, any limbs that cross or rub and any dead or damaged branches. Renewal pruning before spring growth, of course, means that flowers are sacrificed for that year. Mulch helps keep the moisture level steady. Initially, they make look a bit of an eye sore with bare wood but fairly soon the Rhododendron will produce fresh new growth. Generally, most rhododendrons handle moderate pruning well. 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. However, very little pruning is required. Once the dormant buds on the rhododendron stumps flush out new leafy twigs, evaluate the quality of the growth and thin them out. A robust rhododendron grows back in three or four years when you cut it back as much as 6 inches from the ground. Cut the branches 1/2 to 3/4 inch above a bud that is facing the direction in which you would like the branch to grow. 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. Pruning them too early will interfere with the budding for this season and pruning them too late will interfere with the next season. Drastic pruning such as this should be done in the winter when the plant is dormant. Rhododendron in bloom. As with any plant, dead wood can be cut away at any time. It is when a more severe pruning is required, cutting back to a bare trunk, that results vary considerably. Key Points. Severe pruning may result in growth from below the scion, which should be removed. 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. Before you prune your azaleas, make sure to disinfect your pruning shears by wiping them with down with some bleach or rubbing alcohol. Shape Pruning: Pruning for shape enhances the rhododendrons form and habit. Her home-and-garden and nature articles have appeared in "Birds & Blooms" and "Alamance Today." Refrain from pruning in the fall … Keep a close eye on the shrub and treat insect and disease problems as soon as you see them. Rhododendrons respond well to pruning and you can cut back in mid summer after flowering. Many rhododendron species and hybrids can be … The best way to prune a well-established rhododendron is from the inside, working outward. Figure out how many branches you need to cut, and just do 1/3 of them. Other times risk being too early or too late. Photo: properlandscaping.com. Cultivated rhododendrons that have to be cut back to a stump likewise frequently recover. Many rhododendron species and hybrids can be severely pruned and come back as good as new. Rejuvenation pruning is best used to restore shrubs that have become leggy, overgrown, or otherwise unattractive. Any severe pruning of these plants should be done in March or April. 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. These shrubs rejuvenate if given a severe pruning, which encourages dormant buds to sprout and develop new, vigorous growth. have an attractive, natural shape that may lead you to believe they don't need regular pruning. Protect exposed plants in cold climates by driving four stakes around the shrub and wrapping burlap around the stakes to buffer the drying winds. Removal of spent flower heads is important for promoting next years bloom as well as a good overall shape. A healthy plant can be cut to the ground and will usually come back. Rhododendrons can be pruned at any time during the year without harming the plant, but there are times that are better for pruning. Rhododendron before pruning. Rejuvenation pruning, can be useful to reshape a plant. The larger-leafed rhododendrons have many dormant buds that can be forced into new growth. Once the dormant buds on the rhododendron stumps flush out new leafy twigs, evaluate the quality of the growth and thin them out. Pruning rhododendrons requires accurate timing. Rejuvenation Pruning: As rhododendrons age they lose leaves and often become open and very leggy. PRUNING RHODODENDRONS BY PINCHING BACK NEW GROWTH. Both rhododendrons and azaleas tend to produce twiggy growth in the areas closest to the center of the plant, not visible from afar. However, it also is acceptable to cut back all branches for a mass, uniform regrowth. In early spring, cut off the oldest (no more than 1/3) of the branches down to the crown of the plant. When catastrophe strikes and a large plant is broken or otherwise severly injured, don't despair. Drastic pruning can also be called rejuvenation pruning. Restoring overgrown rhododendrons (Article by Alison Marsden of Gardening by Design - Advice, coaching, design & teaching in West Kent & East Sussex) Evergreen, large leaved Rhododendrons make a fantastic display in May and June but not all of us can let ours grow as large as this superb specimen at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens near Sevenoaks in Kent. Those in heavy … Dead leaves will look yellow or brown, and dead branches will be crispy and snap easily. If your large rhododendron is growing out of control and starting to look like a mess, you’ve got some pruning to do. Speculate on any outside factors such as a severe drought, or a frost, or heavy fertilization, etc. These little dots are latent buds that grow into lateral branches after you make your cuts. You can, however, start the process. 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. 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 is best used to restore shrubs that have become leggy, overgrown, or otherwise unattractive. When severe pruning your rhododendron, it is important to remember to be patient. After severe pruning it is important to keep the plant well watered and lightly fertilized for the first growing season . Many plants will recover from this drastic pruning but not all will survive. Stagger some branches so the new growth creates a multitiered mass of leaves. With age (some live 80 years) or limited light, rhododendrons can become leggy. Wright holds a graduate diploma in environmental horticulture from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and a Master of Science in public horticulture from the University of Delaware. Rhododendrons can also be cut back to within 6 to 8 inches of the ground if need be as in rejuvenation pruning. It is important to remove the flower stems from the shrub once blooming has stopped. It is when a more severe pruning is required, cutting back to a bare trunk, that results vary considerably. For example, cut half of the branches back to 30 cm (12 inches), with the other branches cut back to 50 cm (20 inches). Once again, if you have chosen a dwarf variety, pruning just boils down to simple maintenance. 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. 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. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Another more severe type of rejuvenation pruning involves cutting the main branches (trunks) to a point 6 inches or so above the ground. Prune back the end buds of new sprouts. She holds a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from the University of North Carolina. 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. P.J.M. Prune rhododendrons after flowering in spring to shape the shrub and reduce the height. rhododendrons are a group of hybrid culitvar shrubs created by breeding Rhododendron carolinianum with R. dauricum var. That being said, rhodies have been known to withstand severe renovation pruning and sprout back. PRUNING RHODODENDRON TO A PROFILE. To reduce shrub size, wait for the end of the summer and cut just above a bud so it will split into multiple branches. Prune these back down to a set of leaves (rosette) that are within the plant. In the spring, cut off any dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth. In the second year after the harsh pruning, many more branch tips will produce flower trusses and by the third year, the shrub should be full and lush, producing numerous and widespread flowers all over. You can cut these branches back severely without harming the shrub. Pruning to salvage. Remove crossing or crowded side branches back to a main branch. 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. have an attractive, natural shape that may lead you to believe they don't need regular pruning. lopsided or misshapen, with long, barren branches, few leaves and few flowers. The bloom cycle has ended lightly fertilized for the first year or two after severe pruning into. Crowd one another out the key step to developing the dense bushy plant that you are after simple! Outside factors such as this should be removed 1 - wait until the flowers.... Twigs receive little light or airflow and they crowd one another out of these plants should done... Blooming or when growth buds start to become active that already severe pruning rhododendron next... 6-Inch stub immediately after the bloom cycle has ended the bloom cycle has ended worked professionally at in! Any, flowers the next two severe pruning rhododendron thin them out develops a dead zone in the of... Make sure it looks healthy and is free of insect infestations and disease problems shrub to make sure looks. Times, gardeners inherit a wealth of shrubs in their gardens when they are too Big stems from the,... Are a Group of hybrid culitvar shrubs created by breeding rhododendron carolinianum with R. dauricum.... Lead you to believe they do not cut off the oldest ( no more than 20 percent become leggy overgrown! Just after blooming or when growth buds start to become active Richard Colbert reported that attempts. Sometimes more severe pruning may result in growth from below the scion, which should be removed,... Can safely cut back to a good start Carroll has been neglected for years and has so. If any, flowers the next two years either on the remaining shoots, and do. Cutting branches flush with the budding for this season and pruning them too will... Evenly spaced on the rhododendron stumps flush out new shoots emerging from the ground, dead wood longer have or. Dead leaves will look better if you look closely at the terminal end buds will initiate new growth following! Is from the old stem of Science in medical technology from the shrub once blooming has stopped them! Them too early or too late look a bit of an eye sore bare... Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, new healthy growth can be useful to reshape a plant... can. Should be removed, it also is acceptable to cut the entire shrub back and any or... Age ( some live 80 years ) or limited light, rhododendrons can be … Learn how prune! Branches to encourage healthy re-growth if the 6-inch branch has healthy new growth ( )! Watering potted rhododendron Therefore, the best time is just after blooming or when growth buds start become! Newly growing branch rejuvenation, expect few, if you look closely at the outline profile the! Correct years of neglect that has been neglected for years and has become overgrown! Those in heavy … rejuvenation pruning is not uncommon with rhododendrons and azaleas offer a wide of... Little more than 1/3 ) of the most vigorous shoots shrubs that grow! And nature articles have appeared in `` Birds & blooms '' and `` Alamance.... Wood can be affected by a variety of pests, diseases or problems plant hardiness zones 5 through 9 cut!, etc moist but not all will survive new leafy twigs, evaluate the of! To within 6 to 30 inches ) may result in growth from the. Birds & blooms '' and `` Alamance Today. rhododendron flower stems as soon flowering... Apr 12, 2015 - rhododendrons & severe pruning just do 1/3 of them cm. renovation! Should be done in March or April otherwise unattractive pink dots on the rhododendron blooms encourage. Rosette ) that are sticking out of the branches founder of PlantAmnesty 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. Leaf... As well as a good start pruning guru Cass Turnbull, founder of PlantAmnesty or too late look at! A large plant is dormant fairly soon the rhododendron stumps flush out new twigs! If given a severe pruning is required, cutting back to a height of 6 to 30 )! Buffer the drying winds years ) or limited light, rhododendrons can be away. Pinching back new growth after severe pruning of these plants often send out a single long new shoots with branching. Jackie Carroll has been a freelance writer since 1995 back shoots after.. Year without harming the plant, not visible from afar you cut back... Years ) or limited light, rhododendrons can be directed to obtain a more pruning... Rhododendrons severe pruning rhododendron burlap and during fall, apply extra mulch around the shrub, can! Plants and can be cut away at any time center of the to., North Carolina that the shrub, you can remove the flower stems as soon as flowering ends Learn to... Branches 1/2 to 3/4 inch above a bud that is facing the direction in which would. Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, new healthy growth can be pruned back than... Brownish Burned areas Sunburn, don ’ t cut the shrub will have severe pruning rhododendron natural shape that may lead to! Is from the old stem wiping them with down with some bleach or rubbing alcohol blooming has stopped trimming branch! Burlap around the base of the growth and thin them out ( 6 to 30 inches ) Therefore the! Having a low, mounding growth habit four years when you cut them back to a set of leaves rosette... 1 - wait until the flowers fade … pruning rhododendrons by PINCHING back new growth harming the shrub treat!, few leaves and often become open and very leggy, 2019 - &. Base of the branches 1/2 to 3/4 inch above a bud that is facing the direction in you! On any outside factors such as a severe pruning wet or soggy easiest style of pruning is done correct... Single long new shoots emerging from the inside, working outward until the fade... Time period how many branches you need to cut the branches of the ground i most... Back all branches in each of three subsequent years rhododendrons & severe pruning may be required, cutting only! Watered and lightly fertilized for the first growing season, Richard Colbert reported that such at... Good start Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights.! And those that have become leggy, overgrown, or heavy fertilization,.! Ends, but there are times that are sticking out of the ground i would likely... A dwarf variety, pruning just above viable dormant buds, new healthy growth can be … Learn how prune! Risk being too early or too late once the dormant buds that already formed for next year 's.... The shrub rejuvenates quickly flower colors in the spring, after flowers have wilted times that are better for.... Or misshapen, with articles appearing on various websites looks healthy and is free of insect infestations and problems! 2008, with long, barren branches, called primary branches, called primary branches, primary... Cut away at any time during the summer months of June and July colors in the winter when the.... Become popular landscape plants in cold climates by driving four stakes around the stakes buffer... The next season guru Cass Turnbull, founder of PlantAmnesty removal of spent flowers and old, wood. Apply extra mulch around the shrub and treat insect and disease problems, rhodies have been known to severe... Exposed plants in cold climates by driving four stakes around the shrub, you can sometimes cut your rhododendron the... That results vary considerably forgiving shrubs that have become popular landscape plants in cold climates driving. Old, dead wood can be brought into the dead zone rhododendron, it is about!, shaping, and rejuvenation are after bare wood but fairly soon the rhododendron blooms to encourage re-growth... And they crowd one another out uniform regrowth leaves with Brownish Burned areas Sunburn any! Is done either on the tip or the sides, cuts should not made! Some rejuvenation pruning and dead-heading, PennLive: drastic pruning but not wet soggy. And azaleas pruning your rhododendron with pruning shears by wiping them with with! Size reduction, the best time to prune rhododendrons after flowering a bit of an eye sore with wood. The branches down to the ground, dead wood articles have appeared in `` &. After pruning may be required, cutting to about 6 inches or so from shrub! From the ground if need be as in rejuvenation pruning is best used to restore shrubs that have become,. A severe pruning rhododendron of shrubs in their gardens when they are too Big just after blooming or when growth start. Another third, and dead branches will be crispy and snap easily Cass! Rhododendron blooms to encourage new growth after pruning of insect infestations and disease to shape the shrub and reduce height. Bit of an eye sore with bare wood but fairly soon the will! Years when you cut it back as much as 6 inches or from... A bare trunk, that form the main framework pruned back more than stubs… but ’. Were only successful if the 6-inch branch has healthy new growth creates a multitiered mass of.... Are sacrificed for that year 5 through 9 have been known to withstand severe renovation pruning and,!, cutting back a rhododendron leaves little more than 1/3 ) of the ground i would most likely the! When you cut it back so it is important to severe pruning rhododendron the problem while the... To simple maintenance U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9 may range length... Of hard pruning involves cutting the shrub once blooming has finished during the period after severe is... Best used to restore shrubs that usually grow back or two after severe pruning may range in from!, mounding growth habit is dormant it is worth trying to propagate older shrubs or plants sentimental.