A tip from our friend Mike McGroarty:Rhododendrons and Azaleas are in full bloom right now. Rhododendrons and Azaleas start making new flower buds for next year soon after they finish blooming. So the ideal time to trim them is right after they finish blooming. That way you cut off the seed pods from this year's flowers and get the plant trimmed before it has a chance to set any new flower buds. Once trimmed, the plant will set new flower buds and your plants will be loaded up with blooms for next year.
Most people are afraid to trim Rhododendrons because they aren't sure how to go about it. I just take my hedge shears and cut away, just like I would any other plant. The result? A beautiful plant that is tight and full, and loaded with blooms
each year.
Most Rhododendrons and Azaleas are slow growing evergreens so they don't need or like much fertilizer. I never fertilize mine. If you want to make them really happy, just make sure they are planted in good soil that drains well.
If you have a Rhododendron that is doing poorly, chances are it's in an area that stays too wet. Maybe back by a wall where a downspout drains and the soil stays moist all the time. They hate that. Raise it up and put good topsoil around it. You'll see a difference in the plant.
Thanks, Mike!
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