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OVERGROWN RHODODENDRONS

Last post 02-09-2012 10:52 AM by sylvia2036. 4 replies.

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  • 06/04/2012 01:18 PM
    • sylvia2036
    • CHESHIRE
    • 11 Jun 2011
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    I moved into a house about 18 months ago that has an overgrown garden which my husband and I are now tackling.  On one of our boundaries (party boundary) we have a long stretch of rhodies that are at least 15' high and they are now encroaching sideways into the garden.  Is there a way of pruning them safely so that I won't lose them?  They are beautiful when in flower but they really are overwhelming and block out a lot of light.  Any comments would be appreciated.

  • 06/04/2012 01:25 PM
    In reply to
    • madmuncher
    • Nottinghamshire
    • 20 Mar 2010
    • 140
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    'Rhodies' are tough plants and are able to take severe pruning. You could enjoy the blooms first if you wish and then chop them down..or you can do em' now. But do give a touch of TLC afterwards to give them chance to bounce back. Good feed with blood, fish and bone meal would do good and if you have some garden compost spare for a mulch too that is bonus.

    It is quite likely that it won't flower next year though..your bush will need to produce some new growth and harden it off before it is able to produce flowerbuds. So expect it to have 'rest' year from flowering.
  • 06/04/2012 03:23 PM
    In reply to
    • sylvia2036
    • CHESHIRE
    • 11 Jun 2011
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    Thank you very much for your response - I think I will let them flower and then have a go at them - carefully (that is a word to be used advisedly when my husband is "pruning").

  • 07/04/2012 11:09 PM
    In reply to
    • 07 Nov 2006
    • 2,412
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    Hello Sylvia.

    I have to agree with the previous respondent.  Yes, the Rhododendron is a tough subject.  Especially the so-called wild one...R. ponticum  Some of the hybrids do at times prove to be a bit sensitive asto the way they are treated.  The previous friend mentioned a treatment of blood, fish and bone.  I am not in any way saying NO to this treatment.  Although the Rhodo's are tough etc, one does have to be careful to feeding etc.  Bare in mind.  The Rhodo is anear-surface rooting genera.  An inbalance of feed, nutriments etc, could do more harm than good, especially if the treatment were provided by shall we say, a less experienced carer.  Regarding the spread etc of your rhodo.  Don't be afraid to cut out some of the thicker, heavier wood.  However!  Please, and especially for your own viewing.  Do try and hide the cut backs.  Who wants to look out and see.  Masses of mini-trunks, no leaves etc.

    If I can be of any help in the future.  Email me.

     

    Mike.
  • 02/09/2012 10:52 AM
    In reply to
    • sylvia2036
    • CHESHIRE
    • 11 Jun 2011
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    Mike - thank you for that - so sorry it's taken so long to respond - busy being a grandma.  We have taken some (gradual) action and we have growth from where we have cut so we will now move on to another area.