Pruning Flowering Trees & Shrubs

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Scientific Name

Rhododendron spp.
Image & Information

Rhododendron calophytum. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Rhododendron usually flower in the winter and begin to push new growth as the blossoms begin to fade. This is a good time to prune to control the size and structure of the plant. Waiting until later will require removal of the new growth to control the size and shape of the plant, which wastes plant resources.

It is possible to restructure a Rhododendron by gradually removing some of the older (thicker) trunks each year. This allows more light to filter into the root crown of the plant and stimulate new growth from the base.
When to Prune

Late spring or early summer, well after the bloom, but before July
Flowers/Fruit on New or Old Wood

Old Wood
How & What to Prune

Remove dead flowers by pinching them at their base, again without disturbing the new growth that begins at the base of the cluster.

Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood.

Use thinning and releadering cuts to remove or shorten crossing branches.

Then, use thinning and releadering cuts to open the plant or to reduce its height and width, as necessary.