Rhododendron is a very good shrub for the landscape as its flowers are beautiful. After a yearly complete cycle, some of the branches and leaves start to get dry on the rhododendron.
To shape and reduce according to the landscape size, pruning rhododendron shrubs is very important. But common mistakes may harm your shrub and reduce the development of new buds and branches.
So don't worry, I'll give you the right direction of the specific timing of pruning, the method, and a few basics of it.
Prune rhododendron
One thing I want to add here is don't try to consume or use it as pasture for animals. It is toxic for the consumption of living beings.
Don't even try to use it in compost or any other biomass.
Identification of rhododendron
- Leaves- Egg-shaped flat leaves
- Flowers- Soft petal bunch
- Height- More than 5 meters tall
- Nature- Often evergreen
- Size- 3-meter radius
- Color- Faded green leaves and pink flowers
Why rhododendron should be pruned?
Like every other landscape shrub, rhododendron need proper trimming and pruning from time to time but still, I'm giving here some of the specific reasons for it-
- To control shrub size
Rhododendron shrubs can develop new branches on different buds which cover unnecessary space and are difficult to manage.
By controlling the shrub size, you can reduce it according to your landscape and still get the best results from rhododendron shrubs.
- Bushier fulller shrubs and flowers
Pruning, the Rhododendron shrub helps to make it bushier in reduced size and even more dense flowers on it.
- To remove dead branches
Dead branches can't be recovered either from trimming or pruning. Plants can't use their energy to dead cells moreover dead branches so it's good to remove them as soon as possible while pruning.
What is Pinch pruning?
Pinch pruning is a specific pruning method to restrict the shrub to specific branches instead of producing new leaves and branches.
This method is simple as you can just pinch the new buds at the center top edge of specific branches you want. It also helps the shrub to focus on producing new buds development on the established branches. Hence, your shrub becomes bushier and produces more flowers.
When to prune and trim rhododendron?
For pruning and trimming you need a specific period because random time pruning or trimming may impact worst to your shrub.
The best time to prune rhododendron is mid-spring to early summer. After pruning and trimming during this period, the shrub can take time to get used to it and get more time to focus on the fundamentals.
Don't try to do it in fall or winter(after frost) otherwise, your shrub may lose many branches and then your many branches may die till the following spring. So avoid any random time for pruning rhododendron.
Guide to prune rhododendron shrub
Step 1- Inspect the rhododendron shrub closely
Before quickly jumping into pruning, you need to inspect your shrub carefully so that you can identify the dead branches, thick branches, and developing branches.
It will help you to shape the shrub and focus on the bushy development.
Note: Use a common small sharp pruning tool. You need to sterilize your pruning tool after changing every shrub otherwise in case of infection or disease, it can transmit and affect the other shrubs.
Step 2- Target the dead branches first
Now, you need to remove the dead branches from their joint with the whole shrub. It doesn't matter if there are any buds on dead branches because it's not going to develop for sure.
Also, if you find only partial sections are getting dry or dead, remove that portion only from just above the last developing bud on this branch.
Step 3- Specific Pruning of developed branches
Now, focus on the developed green branches of rhododendron. For pruning those, you have to keep in mind that you are going to shape and prune both simultaneously.
So cut the excessive section of branches just 1 inch above the underdeveloping or not developed buds. Simply, cut the excessive branches at the point where buds will remain on the shrub on that particular branch, and rest you'll cut. Though you can cut at the range of 12 inches if they're overgrown.
Repeat this process with each excessive branch of the plant. In the end, you'll see that your shrub is looking very light. But don't worry next year, it'll grow thick, bushy, and develop more flowers.
Step 4- Pinch pruning is helpful
Now, it is time to pinch pruning the top of those developed branches that you didn't prune because they are not excessive or overgrown.
You can pinch prune these branches to keep the plant growth restricted above these branches according to your landscape size.
Just pinch the top center developing bud on the branch and pinch with your hands.
Step 5- Clean all the cut branches and leaves
Finally, clean all the fallen branches and leaves of the rhododendron shrub. Don't utilize them in pastures of animals or else.