In the Northeast when best time to trim rhodedendruns

Sandra
by Sandra
  1 answer
  • Molly Anmar Molly Anmar on Jul 21, 2017

    Rhododendrons need very little pruning. Remove dead or damaged wood at any time. Pruning to shape the plant or to keep it within bounds should be done after flowering.


    Deadheading is an important type of pruning. It involves snapping off the dead flower trusses to prevent the development of seeds, which take a great deal of strength from the development of the next year’s flower buds. Break out only the spent blooms to avoid damaging the dormant buds.


    Another form of pruning is called disbudding. It involves pinching out the terminal leaf bud on new growth, thus awakening dormant buds and causing side branches to appear. Disbudding is done on new growth and can be done again in the fall. Be careful not to break off a flower bud. Disbudding is a useful technique in shaping plants or making them more compact.


    See if you don't find this link informative, Skleja:

    http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/shrubs/hgic1073.html