Like most shrubs and trees,pruning can benefitthe health and appearance of rhododendrons as they mature.
Heres everything you oughta know about rhododendron pruning including how and when to prune rhododendrons.
This is especially true if you are just doing some light maintenance and thinning out.
Martin Wahlborg / Getty Images
Ask yourself what the end goal is (thinning out, reshaping, etc.)
and determine how you will accomplish this goal.
For the most part, rhododendrons respond best to thinning cuts versus heading cuts.
Paul Wallén / Getty Images
Rhododendrons are not hedge shrubs and will not respond the same way to heading cuts that aclassic hedge shrubwould.
Heading cuts should mostly be used on rhododendrons if you are looking to restore a leggy shrub.
Aheading cutremoves the end of a branch or shoot just above a lateral bud or leaf.
Heading cuts promote dense growth at the point where the cut is made.
Heres how to prune your rhododendron for maintenance in a few simple steps.
Usinghandheld pruning shearsor loppers, remove them by making clean cuts and cutting flush with the main trunks.
Dont leave any stubs behind.
Remove Cross Branches and Drooping Growth
Next, youll want to remove any cross branches (i.e.
branches that are crossing one another and creating friction) and drooping growth that is hitting the ground.
Remember the one-thirdrule for pruning shrubsas you tackle this step.
Dont go overboard here, give the main branches space to breathe without removing too many branches.
Thin Out the Small Outer Branches
The last step is to thin out the small outer branches.
Focus on thinning out the outer layer rather than performing heading cuts for the best results.
Deadheadingrhododendrons can be a great way to encourage more blooms and tidy up the appearance of your shrub.
Mostspecies of rhododendronscan handle being completely cut back if necessary.
Yellowing leaves are often an indication that your rhododendron is missing important nutrients that it requires to thrive.
Treating the iron-unbalanced soil is the first step to remedying yellow leaves on your rhododendron.
