When should I prune my rhododendron UK?

Best Time for Trimming Rhododendrons According to most professional landscapers, the ideal time for pruning rhododendrons is late winter, while the plant is dormant. However, any time between the first frost in fall and the last frost in spring (while the sap is low) will work.

How far back can I trim rhododendrons?

Depending on how big the rhododendron is, you may be able to cut back 15 to 20 inches of each branch of the plant. Because the rhododendron species are not meant to be cut in a shape, each primary branch that you cut should be cut at different heights to make the shrub appear natural.

Can you cut rhododendrons back hard UK?

In February or March – when it isn’t frosty – cut back your rhododendron branches hard to the buds. Make sure to feed the plant, apply mulch and water well if you choose to heavily prune.

Are you supposed to deadhead rhododendrons?

In general, you should deadhead the flowers once the petals are wilting by snapping off or cutting the top stalk, which supports the petals. Go down to the first ring of leaves without taking any leaves off the branch. You can do this to each flower head while the shrub is still in bloom.

What month do you prune?

Not all trees and shrubs should be pruned in the winter or early spring, however. Generally speaking, shrubs and trees that bloom on new growth should be pruned in the winter and early spring, while those that bloom on old growth should be pruned in late spring or summer (i.e., after their flowers fade).

What can I do with a woody rhododendron?

The simplest form of pruning is deadheading, which encourages the plant to put its energy into new growth rather than producing seed. As soon as the shrub has finished flowering in spring you can remove the spent flowers, cutting just above a set of leaves.

When should you prune rhododendrons?

Pruning Seasons. As a general rule, rhododendrons are pruned early in the spring after the last frost so the cuts have time to heal. Pruning rhododendrons after they start growing will inhibit blooming. Pruning a rhododendron lightly while it is flowering or just after it has flowered will not affect the formation of flower buds the next year.

How and when to prune rhododendrons?

Prune rhododendrons after flowering, in the early summer or again in early fall for best results. Pruning too close to winter will promote tender growth that is vulnerable to the cold weather. Protect your hands from the stickiness on the blossom stems by wearing gardening gloves.

How do you prune a rhododendron?

A good way to start to prune a rhododendron is to crawl under it, look up, and decide what structural changes are needed. If the plant has been long-neglected, it likely will be necessary first to cut out a tangle of dead branches. Then remove cross branches and weak wood.

When to trim back rhododendrons?

Prune your large rhododendron right after it finishes blooming. You should prune the rhododendron before the buds form so you don’t lop off the following year’s flowers. Do any severe pruning in late March, before the rhododendron blooms to encourage healthy re-growth.