The effects of last summer’s drought on rhododendrons and what can be done to repair the damage

[@barbaranast4485]

So glad I discovered your channel! I'm from Victoria, British Columbia CA and, with so many plants in common, I feel fortunate to be learning from a Master! 😊😊😊

[@CatFish107]

Heyoh from mid Island. Looking for how to rescue a neglected rhodo in the place I just moved into.

[@cassandra2685]

It’s now the end of May in New Jersey My rhododendron has bloomed sparsely with a few dry branches with sad flowers Can I cut the dry branches now or should I wait ? Thank you in advance for your kind reply. We had a drought last summer I hope my beautiful shrub will survive

[@cindyl3916]

Hello, I so enjoy your show! Can you tell me why several people have told me my rhododendron won’t due well and “good luck” in my 7a Oklahoma area? Ive never grown them before and I have planted several last spring. Any ideas? Thank you for another great video!❤

[@paultsworld]

Zone 7a Winter should be Ok for rhododendrons. However they don’t like a lot of heat or direct sun - plus they do like plenty of water. So for your area they would appreciate being in the shade and being watered when it is dry - particularly in August, September time as that is when they set their buds for the following year’s blooms. Good luck.

[@cindyl3916]

@@paultsworld Thank you so much for your excellent answer. You’ve quelled my my fears! I’ll follow everything you’ve said. Here I was feeling gloom and doom for nothing lol! Thank you again Paul T💚

[@cindyl3916]

@@paultsworld Just saw you have a channel so I subscribed. Then realized I have watched your show before and loved it!

[@paultsworld]

@@cindyl3916 Hi Cindy! Glad you like my garden and welcome. 🌻

[@cindyl3916]

@@paultsworld My gain!

[@chompers11]

What time of year can I prune these back? 8b usa here

[@paultsworld]

Best time to prune them would be a week or so after the blooms have finished. This way you get the maximum enjoyment of the flowers and it gives your plant the maximum time to produce new growth and buds for next year’s show.

[@chompers11]

@@paultsworld thanks for the response but we are quite a ways out from flowers. Usually I thought we trim before last frost

[@paultsworld]

@@chompers11 That’s true - you can prune these shrubs anytime but if you prune between October and May you’ve also chopped the flower buds off.

[@chompers11]

@@paultsworld good point thanks

[@Garricher5958]

Don't know if you can get a sample of this plant but here is a cultivar that might do well in drought conditions. Heat Tolerant Southgate® Rhododendrons.

[@geo.m1639]

Rhododendron are destroying the countryside this is a good thing

[@KnowNaturenow]

I agree really glad I’m not the only one who notices this!