table of contents
- This is how rhododendron grows
- Cutting measures
- Instructions for topiary
- Aftercare
- frequently asked Questions
Rhododendrons don't actually need pruning, they naturally grow densely. Nevertheless, a topiary is possible to make an old one rhododendron- Bringing the shrub back into shape or stimulating it to sprout again.
In a nutshell
- Rhododendron grows naturally in a rounded shape
- remains dense and willing to flower for a long time
- Topiary can give a compact look again
- make sure that the bush does not become bald from the inside out
This is how rhododendron grows
Basically, there is no need to cut a rhododendron. It grows on its own in a round, appealing shape and constantly forms new flowers, usually when the old ones have just faded. These new buds then bloom the following year. Because of this characteristic, it is difficult to find the right time to prune the shrub. You always have to expect to remove future flowers when cutting, with a very radical cut, even the entire flowering fails in the following year.
Cutting measures
Cut back
- Remove what has withered without affecting the formation of new buds
- Cut away dead, dried-up shoots
- branches growing too weakly
- diseased shoots or areas affected by pests
Tip: After the bush has been cleaned, it can be cut into shape a little so that it regains its previous appearance.
Topiary
- mainly to cut the bush into shape
- Remove shoots that are too long
- Remove crossing and obstructing branches
- promote compact growth
Taper cut
- occurs in old bushes that have become bare
- strong pruning promotes new growth
Note: Only plants that are well rooted can tolerate a strong pruning.
material
- depending on the size of the shrub
- Secateurs
- Loppers, possibly with telescopic handle
- ladder
- Gloves (plant is poisonous!)
- saw
time
The right time depends on the variety of the rhododendron and the respective Heyday away. Usually it is between March and May, sometimes a little later.
Instructions for topiary
- It's best to work in pairs. One cuts, the other looks at the bush from afar to assess the shape.
- First remove any branches that are clearly growing out of the shape at the point of attachment.
- Then thin out the entire shrub a little.
- Also remove crossing, overly close and weakened shoots.
- If the shrub has grown too big overall, shorten all the remaining shoots directly above a bud or a branch.
- Assess the new shape from a distance and make any corrective shortenings.
Aftercare
Especially after heavy pruning, the rhododendron is grateful for conscientious aftercare. This includes:
- Tidy up the root area
- Remove weeds, old leaves and dead flowers
- possibly remove the top layer of soil
- Add rhododendron soil
- with compost or horn shavings fertilize
- water abundantly
- mulch
- keep weed-free
Tip: If the growth is uneven, you can cut through a topiary in the following year renewed corrections on the rhododendronmake.
frequently asked Questions
With rhododendrons it is also possible to put them on the stick, that is, to cut them back completely and build a new crown. To do this, all shoots are shortened to 80 cm above the ground. In order not to stress the shrub too much, it is best to do this in two steps, one year apart.
Most of the time, nothing needs to be done. The rhododendron must first recover from the pruning measures. It then forms new buds and, depending on the severity of the pruning, it will bloom again in one to two years.
Shredding is one possibility, because afterwards the clippings can serve as a mulch cover. Diseased leaves should be disposed of in the residual waste. A lot of cuttings are in good hands with the local waste disposal company or a professional composting facility.
