PETITTI How To Prune Rhododendron

As we approach the mid-summer mark in July, it’s time to start pruning spring-blooming shrubs. One of our favorite, gorgeous spring-bloomers, Rhododendron, is also a hot topic when it comes to pruning. Watch this video with Noelle, Horticulturist and Education Director with Petitti Garden Centers, to learn more about how to properly prune Rhododendron to ensure beautiful new growth for the coming years. As with all pruning, we highly recommend applying a good dose of fertilizer around the drip line of the plant. For Rhododendrons, we recommend using Holy-tone to help provide nutrients and energy back into the root system as the plant sets new buds for the next year.

[@sammysworld5485]

I live in NY & my Rhododendrum grows like crazy. I do absolutely nothing to it. It’s truly a hardy plant.

[@donc.8019]

Great video .. You get right to the work .. Prefect length .great info .. now I want to find your video on peonies

[@georgelbenko]

Thank you for this great video. I need to cut back mine to half of the volume from what it was. Any suggestion how I do that.

[@pepperroni4016]

I'm not waiting. My rhododendron is so out of control. It is may 13th and I have had enough, 10 years neglected, I'm not waiting for it to flower. It's happening 1st thing in the morning. It's out of control

[@bob_frazier]

Fast forward 2 years... how did it do?

[@cherylnorris4868]

Great information thank you. My rhodadendron is really full of blooms however there are beaches with buds that didn't open. Any suggestions why?

[@PetittiGardenCenters]

This does happen with erratic weather conditions, especially with dry fall conditions going into the winter, desiccation from winter wind, late cold snaps causing damage and stunting in April & May. Sometimes these conditions will delay the blooming. Remember to irrigate when needed, 1" per week, one time, deeply and continue to fertilize with Holly-tone and Iron-tone spring, midsummer and late fall. Wait and see, you may be surprised with some late blooms.

[@Aem640]

It’s Middle of April is this a good time to prune my not so good looking rhododendron?

[@PetittiGardenCenters]

We recommend refraining from pruning until right after they're done blooming!

[@mea333unique]

My Rhodies seem to have new buds immediately after the blooms finish. How soon can I bloom in this case? Also, is it possible it is leave buds and how can I tell the difference? Thank you.

[@PetittiGardenCenters]

It sounds like new leaf growth which is immediately below the spent flower cluster/ truss. Take a look at this article and picture showing the spent flower removal and the new leaf buds underneath: www.rhododendron.org/pruning.htm New flower buds are not developed until mid to late summer; that’s why it’s best to deadhead and prune them immediately after they finish flowering.

[@h_h_s_c]

Is it bad for the rhodo if I prune it a few weeks AFTER the spring bloom? In other words, is there a point at which it is too late and I should just wait until next spring post-bloom? Thank you! (I am in Asheville, NC where it's in the 60-80's this mid-June.)

[@PetittiGardenCenters]

Try to finish pruning Rhododendron by the end of June so you don't interfere with the bloom cycle for next year.

[@sonidoexperiencia]

I have a rhododendron olga that I had planted in the open. Will it do okay? I live in the midwest

[@PetittiGardenCenters]

Rhododendron 'Olga' is cold hardy to -10 degrees F, so if you live in the Midwest where the USDA Hardiness Zone is 6a (green): planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/ it should tolerate the cold. Although, Rhododendrons prefer a part day of shade or dappled shade and well-drained, acidic soil, it may tolerate being in the open if you are able to maintain adequate moisture and provide some winter protection (burlap or anti-desiccant spray).

[@sonidoexperiencia]

@@PetittiGardenCenters thank you and one more question what type of antiseptic spray is recommended?

[@johnonorgan]

my rhod is way too big

[@peterrabson3383]

I love Rhododendrons, the bigger the better!

[@StayPositive050]

I am trying to keep my rhodies the size they are now. Pruning in spring creates loads of new growth…so I end up doing what I call a “bonsai prune” in the winter when cuts will heal over rather than push new growth. Twice a year pruning is a bit of a pain but necessary.

[@maplenook]

Very helpful thanks