Rhododendrons enchant us with their lush flowers. But when and how do you cut them correctly to achieve the best possible flowering?

When and how do you prune rhododendrons correctly to achieve the best possible flowering?

Rhododendrons (Rhododendron) are found everywhere - in gardens, parks and even in the wild. The violet, pink and white flowers are particularly popular and attract everyone's attention in spring. The evergreen shrub of the heather family (Ericaceae) usually grows well without heavy pruning. At certain times, a suitable grooming cut can still be useful. We'll show you what needs to be considered for a perfect rhododendron pruning.

Pruning rhododendrons: the right time

The ideal time for pruning rhododendrons always depends on the particular concern. A pruning to bring the sprawling shrub back into shape is best done after flowering from May to June. If the rhododendron needs to be pruned back more due to internal bare areas, you should do this before flowering in the fall or spring so that nesting birds are not disturbed when the pruning is done.

Pruning is best done after flowering

Pruning rhododendrons after flowering

Slight pruning after flowering is a suitable method for trimming the rhododendron into shape and removing diseased and overhanging shoots. Ideally, carry out the pruning immediately after flowering (May to mid-June). When pruning a rhododendron, keep the following things in mind:

  • Use clean and sharp secateurs
  • Pruning takes place after a shoot branching
  • Cut slightly slanted
  • Wear gloves when pruning
  • Removal of all diseased, injured and protruding shoots
  • Do not injure already formed buds

Since the dormant buds are just below the leaf tuft, the pruning is made just behind. The cut is made at an angle so that water can run off the cut surface better. The buds for next year will appear right afterFlower created, so you should proceed with extra care. Try not to injure any buds when pruning, so that you can enjoy the flowers again next year. This works best with smaller rose scissors. Also, make sure your chosen gardening tool is clean and sharp at all times to avoid disease transmission and minimal damage to the shoot. However, the next bloom is not the only reason to be careful: March to the end of September is the breeding season for native birds and they also like to make themselves comfortable in your rhododendron. Therefore, larger cuts must be postponed to autumn or spring - this is also required by law. In addition, rhododendrons are poisonous - so always wear gloves.

The garden tool should always be clean and sharp

Cutting rhododendrons: Instructions in 5 steps

In the winter months, when the nesting season is over, heavier pruning work can be carried out on the bush. Heavy pruning of the rhododendron is performed when:

  • the plant is bare from the inside. This way more light comes inside and your rhododendron grows beautifully branched and bushy.
  • the plant has been pruned incorrectly or badly damaged over the years and needs pruning to restore its shape.

It makes no difference whether you prune in autumn from October or in spring around February. Only danger of frost should not prevail. However, rhododendrons tolerate pruning differently. Grafted plants usually have a problem with heavy pruning, whereas ungrafted plants tolerate pruning right down to the old wood. In addition, it sometimes takes several years for the plant to grow back to its old form. You should also not expect flowering in the first two years. If a strong pruning should nevertheless become necessary, proceed as follows:

  1. Use clean and sharp tools
  2. Put the cut directly after a shoot branching
  3. Cut at a slight angle
  4. Wear Gloves
  5. Leave at least half a meter

You can find information on how to care for your rhododendron in our special article here.

These products are ideal for trimming your shrubs, hedges and trees:

  • Felco Pruning Shears: Manual top pruner, vine and pruning shears recommendedfor all types of cutting. In addition to plastic-coated handles, it has a precision blade and anvil blade adjustment system.
  • Felco Fruit Tree and Pruning Shears: Heavy duty fruit tree and pruning shears with wire cutter, sap groove and micrometer adjustment.
  • Gardena telescopic arm scissors: Practical secateurs for effortlessly cutting tall trees and dense bushes from the ground.
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