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It is difficult to imagine something more like a chic lively bouquet with an abundance of blooming flowers than a rhododendron. These tree-like shrubs will not leave anyone indifferent during the flowering period and are not unreasonably considered rather capricious and fastidious in care. At the same time, trimming rhododendrons is no more difficult than other flowering perennials. Although, depending on the variety grown, these amazing beauties in pruning have their own characteristics and subtleties.
Is it possible to prune a rhododendron
It is widely believed that rhododendrons do not particularly need pruning, since they are genetically inherent in the desire for an almost ideal bush shape. And many novice gardeners are so sensitive to their promising plant pets that they get scared at the very thought that they need to pick up a pruner and cut something off from the most valuable specimen of rhododendron.
In fact, the experience of many gardeners, who have been growing various types of rhododendrons in their garden for many years, shows that rhododendrons are not only possible, but also necessary. Like absolutely all plants, they absolutely need regular sanitary pruning. Many varieties also need to correct the form of growth. And more mature plants cannot escape from rejuvenating pruning. It can sometimes be replaced only by a complete replacement of the bush. But not every gardener is ready to easily say goodbye to his pet, who has delighted him with his flowering for many years, only because he has completely lost his shape.
But in order not to bring your flowering pets to such a state, it is better to track all the nuances of the possible improper growth of bushes every year and help them by forming an attractive crown with pruning.
On the other hand, rhododendrons, unlike many other ornamental shrubs and trees, do not always require mandatory pruning. Indeed, even during transplantation, thanks to a small and compact root system, their roots do not stop their activity for a moment. This means that when moving shrubs with a whole root ball, they do not need the subsequent traditional shortening of the branches in order to balance the “bottoms” and “tops” of plants.
Why you need to prune rhododendrons
As is the case with almost any representative of the plant kingdom, pruning rhododendrons helps to solve many different problems:
- it serves as a preventive measure for various diseases and prevents pests from penetrating deep into branches or trunks;
- enhances growth and branching;
- helps the bushes to express themselves in the best way during flowering;
- increases the decorativeness of plants and reduces natural imperfections;
- allows you to enjoy the abundant and colorful flowering of your favorite bushes every year;
- helps prolong the life and beauty of many aging specimens.
When is the best time to prune rhododendrons?
The most suitable timing for pruning rhododendrons depends most of all on the goals for which this or that procedure is carried out. It is most optimal for most varieties to carry out different types of pruning at the very beginning of spring, even before the buds awaken. In some cases, this must be done in late spring or early summer. Most rhododendrons require special pruning after flowering. Finally, it is allowed to prune in the autumn, before the onset of winter cold.
How to prune a rhododendron
There is no specific average technology for pruning any rhododendron. The type, degree and even the time interval for pruning is chosen depending on the species (deciduous or evergreen) and the age of the plant.
All existing varieties of rhododendrons are usually divided into the following categories, which differ in the types of pruning applied to them:
- deciduous small-leaved;
- deciduous and semi-evergreen large-leaved;
- evergreen small-leaved;
- evergreen large-leaved.
For plants of the first group, it is very important to carry out, from the very first years after planting, annual pinching of the tips of young shoots in late May or early June to form a dense and beautiful crown. In autumn, and throughout the season, you can ruthlessly remove all too frail and underdeveloped branches, as well as shoots growing towards the center of the crown. Anti-aging pruning for shrubs of this group can be carried out 1 time in 5-7 years.
For rhododendrons of the third group with small evergreen leaves, shaping pruning is especially important, which stimulates the formation of many young branches. With a strong desire, these varieties can be given almost any shape by trimming. Even form neat attractive “balls” from them. True, this requires a great deal of regular effort and attention on the part of the gardener throughout the year and is best done in warmer regions with mild winters.
In large-leaved evergreen species, very elongated and bare shoots are usually shortened in early spring to stimulate lateral branching. Anti-aging pruning in large-leaved rhododendrons is carried out no more often than after 12-16 years.
How to prune rhododendrons in spring
In early spring, even before the buds swell, they usually carry out:
- sanitary;
- starting;
- formative;
- anti-aging pruning of rhododendrons.
Under the conditions of the middle zone, this period usually occurs in the second half of March or the beginning of April.
After the main snowmelt, it becomes approximately clear how the bushes endured the winter. Sanitary pruning of rhododendrons consists, first of all, in the removal of completely broken shoots, which are cut off just below the break. If the branch is not completely broken off, then if you wish, you can try to save it. To do this, the fracture site is tied with a polyethylene tape, and the shoot itself is tied to the upper branches or a supporting support is placed.
In deciduous rhododendrons, in severe winters, the bark may crack on individual shoots. In these cases, it is necessary to cut off all damaged branches to a living place.
Sanitary pruning also includes the removal of dry and frozen branches and leaves. But in many deciduous varieties it is not so easy to identify them before the buds swell. Therefore, you can wait a bit and prune later, after the leaves bloom.
Starting pruning is usually carried out after the purchase and transplantation of a young shrub to a new location. For evergreen types, it is usually not necessary. But deciduous bushes, if desired, can immediately be given an eye-catching shape.
Spring pruning of rhododendrons is often carried out to form a decorative crown. At the same time, either strongly protruding branches are removed, or those that grow deep into the crown and thicken it unnecessarily. As mentioned above, in deciduous types, it is recommended to additionally pinch young shoots, especially at a young age.
Anti-aging pruning begins to be carried out if the rhododendron bushes grow so much that they close part of the passage on the path or obscure the windows of the living quarters. In this case, you should not cut branches that are more than 3-4 cm thick, otherwise the bushes may die. Especially tender are the evergreen large-leaved varieties of rhododendrons. The places of cuts must be covered with a special garden paste or var. Already after 20-25 days, dormant buds may awaken on the branches below the cut and the bush will begin to grow with fresh shoots.
The following year, it is already possible to restore decorativeness and lush flowering.
It happens that it is necessary to carry out a strong rejuvenation by cutting the branches almost to a stump. In this embodiment, the branches are cut at a distance of 30-40 cm from the ground. But you should not cut the entire bush at once. Deciduous species may be able to withstand such pruning, but evergreens have a chance not to survive it and not recover. Therefore, they usually cut about half of the bush in order to complete what they started next year.
How to prune a rhododendron after flowering
If you provide rhododendrons with competent and suitable care throughout the season, then they will delight with abundant flowering and fruiting. But it was noticed that in this case the plants have some periodicity in flowering. Because they spend too much energy on the formation of fruits and seeds. If the bushes are grown solely for the sake of lush and beautiful inflorescences, then immediately after flowering they must be carefully broken out or cut off. Usually, a faded inflorescence is taken with two or three fingers and slightly bent to the side. It breaks easily. You just need to look carefully so as not to accidentally hurt the young shoots that form at the very base of the inflorescences.
As a result, all the available nutrient reserves in the plant will go not to the formation of seeds, but to the laying of new flowering buds and the formation of new shoots. In addition, instead of one, two or three new young shoots are usually formed at the site of the inflorescence.
How to prune rhododendron for the winter
For the winter, rhododendrons carry out only sanitary and sometimes rejuvenating pruning. In terms of time, it most often falls on the end of September or the first half of October. Depending on the region, this should take place a few weeks before the onset of a hard frost and 2 weeks after the last feeding.
Pruning of rhododendrons in autumn is most often carried out in order to reduce the height of the bushes and ensure their full wintering under shelters.
Tips from experienced gardeners
In order for pruning rhododendrons to give the desired result, it is useful to listen to the opinions of experienced gardeners who have been successfully growing this luxurious shrub for many years.
- After any pruning, even sanitary, rhododendron bushes must be watered abundantly and fed with a complex set of fertilizers. The only exception is autumn pruning.
- It is best to prune the bushes regularly, annually monitoring the correct shape of the plants. If for some reason the rhododendron has not been cut for a long time, then you should not carry out cardinal pruning within one season. It is better to do it gradually.
- When shaping and rejuvenating pruning in early spring, it is very important to feel for dormant buds and cut the branches above them. Sleeping buds are usually small, pinkish thickenings on the shoots and are quite easy to feel with your fingers.
- If rhododendrons were grown from seed, then they should not be pruned at all until the first flowering. Otherwise, it may delay the formation of flowers for another 2-3 years.
Conclusion
Do not be afraid to prune rhododendrons. For many varieties, pruning is the only way to get beautiful and attractive bushes. In addition, only regular removal of inflorescences helps these beautiful plants bloom profusely every year.
