Marianne's Response
When to hard prune a rhody
I have a rhody that’s about 5 years old that was planted in way too much shade. We moved it to a pot in better light but it’s very leggy and strongly leans in one direction. It has just opened new leaves and they look pretty healthy. I think the only rescue for this plant it to hard prune it back to the base and start again. It has good growth buds but I am not sure when I should do the pruning. We are moving this winter and would like to take it with us. Thank you!
Posted by Pat Hergert on May 29, 2020
Marianne's Response
Pruning right after blooming is the general rule for rhododendrons and azaleas so go ahead and cut it back hard once the blossoms begin to fade. Leave a stump at least a foot tall or better yet cut back all but the most healthy branch so the rhododendron will have some foliage left this summer to manufacture food. It may take three years for your rhodie to flower again but it will have a much better shape. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti
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