Marianne's Response
Deadheading Rhodies
We have raised Rhodies for many years in the country, deadheaded and let them grow. We now live in the city and I continue to deadhead
but I have trimmed them of new growth to keep the view clear from our front porch. Now I have some Rhodies with blooms and others with only growth stems & leaves. What have I done wrong and how should I handle this? Thank you. Your column is a delight to read and my wife and I enjoy you and your tips.
Jan and Bill Allen
Posted by billolywa on April 25, 2016
Marianne's Response
Your rhodies prefer no pruning but if you must give them a haircut do it immediately after they flower in the spring so they have plenty of time to grow new leaves and flower buds. Rhododendrons also need plenty of water in August and September so if you let the soil dry out that could be the blame for lack of blooms rather than the pruning. You may want to move the too tall rhodies and replace them with some dwarf versions under your windows so you won't have to prune or deadhead. The smaller the leaf the shorter a rhodie will want to grow - but all plants keep growing so you don't owe them the right to stay in place for decades. Plants are not kids - you don't owe them a home when they get too demanding. Evergreen azaleas may be the better plant choice near the house. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti
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