Step 1

When to prune rhododendrons

Plan to prune rhododendrons in the spring after flowering has taken place. rhododendrons need pruning immediately after flowering so that they’ve got time to produce enough shoots and buds for the following year. This means that you’ll be cutting back in the spring, allowing plenty of summer warmth for growth to occur. 

Step 2

Remove faded flowers and dead branches

Faded flower clusters should be removed, but you need to take care not to cut off the new shoots if you want to get a bigger plant. Diseased or dead stems should also be removed at this time, in addition to cutting off any branches that are crossing each other or growing towards the centre of the plant.

Take each bloom in your hand and use sharp secateurs to remove them, taking care not to damage new buds.

Prune dead and diseased branches. These may be brown, black or withered stems without leaves. Cut these off, tracing back to a bud on healthy tissue.

Image Source: dianecordell (Some Rights Reserved)

Step 3

How to renovate an old rhododendron bush?

Renovation can work well in rhododendrons, so if you’ve inherited a very old and leggy specimen, then there is the chance to turn it back into a beautiful plant. In the spring, cut back branches to a latent bud. These are indicated by little pinkish dots on old stems. If you’re worried about taking too much off and accidently killing your rhododendron, remove half of the material one year, and complete the rejuvenation project in year two by cutting off the remaining branches.

Trace your finger back to small pink dots on the stem. Prune just above these dots to encourage new growth. 

Image source:  rojabro (some rights reserved)