| I would like you to compare the proper techniques for pruning Rhododendron catawbiense vs. Rhododendron maximum. Please include the reasons and season or seasons for their pruning. |
| only one growth bud at the end of a stem will begin to expand. If this single bud is broken out just as it starts to enlarge, it will cause two or more dormant buds at the end of the stem to expand, making a bushier plant. Again, this will not affect bud set for the coming year. Old leggy plants may need pruning, but often these are better replaced with smaller newer varieties. Old plants, however, can be cut back severely and still recover, although it may be a while before they bloom again. Since both plants in question are species rhododendrons, the culture is the same. only one growth bud at the end of a stem will begin to expand. If this single bud is broken out just as it starts to enlarge, it will cause two or more dormant buds at the end of the stem to expand, making a bushier plant. Again, this will not affect bud set for the coming year. Old leggy plants may need pruning, but often these are better replaced with smaller newer varieties. Old plants, however, can be cut back severely and still recover, although it may be a while before they bloom again. Since both plants in question are species rhododendrons, the culture is the same. |
