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Should I Prune My Rhododendrons?
Should I Prune My Rhododendrons?. Rhododendrons and azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) are old-fashioned varieties of flowering shrubs hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 10, depending on the cultivar. Azalea is the term commonly used for native deciduous species, while rhododendron is typically refers to species with large,...
Rhododendrons and azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) are old-fashioned varieties of flowering shrubs hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 10, depending on the cultivar. Azalea is the term commonly used for native deciduous species, while rhododendron is typically refers to species with large, leathery leaves that stay green all year. Regular pruning plays an important role in maintaining the health and beauty of these plants.
Purpose
Crowding is the main reason for pruning rhododendron shrubs. These plants exhibit a growth habit that causes the full foliage on the outside of the plants to shade out the inner growth. Without pruning, the inner branches weaken and die from lack of sunlight. The crowded foliage also restricts airflow around the leaves and branches, increasing the risk of fungal diseases. Old rhododendrons form thick, woody limbs that create uneven and unattractive growth. Regular trimming helps maintain the desirable size and shape of rhododendron bushes.
Season
The best time to prune a rhododendron is immediately after it stops flowering. Rhododendrons form blossoms on the prior year’s woody growth. Pruning too heavily or removing the branches before the buds begin to form in the spring won’t damage the rhododendron plant, but it can reduce or eliminate the flowers for the year. If pruned heavily, the shrub may require two years of growth before it blooms again.
Method
Rhododendrons form growth joints that denote where the previous year’s growth left off and the current year’s growth begins. Pruning just above this joint removes just the most recent growth and allows the plants to produce blossoms on the prior growth. Selecting the most crowded branches for removal helps open up the center of a shrub and increase airflow and sunlight exposure.
Considerations
Pruning lightly to remove no more than one-quarter of the new growth is sufficient for younger plants that are beginning to establish themselves in the landscape. Older, woody plants may require more extensive pruning that reduces them to half their normal size. New growth appears near the stumps and eventually replaces the pruned sections.
