Trimming rhododendron advice - Ask Extension
I need guidance on trimming back this 40-50 year old rhododendron. How much can I cut it back? I’ve let it get too tall and near the eaves.
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Trimming rhododendron advice #644063
Asked June 01, 2020, 3:48 AM EDT
I need guidance on trimming back this 40-50 year old rhododendron. How much can I cut it back? I’ve let it get too tall and near the eaves.
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Now is the time to prune (soon after bloom.)
The rule of thumb for shrubs is not to cut back more than 1/3 a year (unless you're doing a drastic renovation pruning down almost to the ground.--which we would not recommend for this healthy shrub.)
You can shape up a shrub or prune off a few stray tips any time. Here's a nice pruning refresher: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges
Ellen
The rule of thumb for shrubs is not to cut back more than 1/3 a year (unless you're doing a drastic renovation pruning down almost to the ground.--which we would not recommend for this healthy shrub.)
You can shape up a shrub or prune off a few stray tips any time. Here's a nice pruning refresher: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges
Ellen