When should I prune my Rhododendron?

Pruning these beauties should mainly be done to shape the plant. If your rhododendron is young, you will be able to get it started and prune it in such a way that it might never need pruning again, depending on where you have planted the bush.





The best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring, before the main growth spurt begins.


Here is a site from the American Rhododendron Society that explains exactly how and when to prune your plant:





http://www.rhododendron.org/v47n2p79.htm

When should I prune my Rhododendron?
Prune after flowering. Rhodo's bloom on the previous season's growth, which develops in the late spring, early summer. Cutting off this new growth will prevent bud set.
Reply:No don't
Reply:in the middle of winter. it is best to do it then. it is dormant during the winter.
Reply:When can I prune a Rhododendron? The optimal season to prune a rhododendron is immediately after bloom in the spring. This will force the plant's energy into new growth, breaking from lateral nodes; exploding with vigor and potentially setting bud for next year. http://www.rhodo.com/Care.cfm
Reply:The best time is early spring. March or beginning of April before the growing starts.That way the plant, bush have the growing season to recover.
Reply:Dan S. and Carla are correct. Do not listen to any of the others. After blooming is when you do that, and do not cut off any more than the top 1/3 of growth. Same thing with azaleas.
Reply:NO!