What to do with rhododendron "candleabras"

Recycler
by Recycler
Is it best to leave them alone, or cut them off after the blooms are spent?
  7 answers
  • KellyAnn Clark KellyAnn Clark on Jul 04, 2015
    I was just hoping for answer. I also have one.
  • Mary Mary on Jul 04, 2015
    I take them off with an easy snap and think it gives me more blooms the next year
  • Mary Mary on Jul 04, 2015
    I take them off with an easy snap and think it gives me more blooms the next year
  • Josh Joslin Josh Joslin on Jul 04, 2015
    Dead heading a rhody is cosmetic. The rhody will be the same for blooms with or without dead heading.
  • Suzette Trimmer Suzette Trimmer on Jul 04, 2015
    Surprised to hear this question, because it never occurred to me to deadhead my Rhodordenrum. I have many on the grounds at the stable and they all thrive well without my ever touching them. However; I think I shall try this process on one of them in hopes that it may do something to increase what is already great blooming shrubs. Interested in hearing what others say now.
  • Judi Duchene Mecham Judi Duchene Mecham on Jul 04, 2015
    Be careful when snapping (don't cut) old blossoms. If you look carefully, you can see the new flower buds coming out for the next year. If you cut or snap theses off, no flowers for next year.
  • Josh Joslin Josh Joslin on Jul 05, 2015
    Judi is correct. When dead heading, be mindful of where you snap the spent flower.