I have a rhododendronI planted in early April. It is very pretty and I don't want it to die during the winter. I know it is a perennial but I don't know if I should prune, etc. Can you help me? I have searched everything I can think of on line, and found no answers. Spell check had me change the spelling of this word, so I hope it is correct.
2006-09-13 05:36:02 · 9 answers · asked by makeitright 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
If it made it through the growing season it should be just fine over the winter. No need to use protection. But NEVER prune a rhodie in fall! It forms next year's flower buds on this season's growth and they winter over. If you prune in fall, you will be taking off next year's flowers! If you must prune (and you might want to, just to keep it compact), do it in spring, immediately after the flowers fade.
2006-09-13 06:10:11 · answer #1 · answered by keepsondancing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would use an antidesicant on it to protect it from dehydration during the winter. Since Rhodos do not lose their leaves in the winter, cold arid wind will cause water to evaporate from the leaves. But if the ground is frozen that water cannot be replaced because roots can't suck up ice. The result is dehydration which will not show up when it's occurring but in the spring when the plant becomes more active. Dehydration is the most common problem we see with rhodos, azaleas, holly--things that keep their leaves in the winter.
Some good products are Wilt-Pruf or Bonide has one (I can't think of the label name but a garden center could help you). Spray the tops and bottoms of leaves to help keep the water in the plant about the end of November. It will protect it the rest of the winter during the cold months.
If it's near the road you can put burlap around it to protect it from salt spray.
You don't have to prune it unless it's losing its shape and then do it in the spring after blooming.
2006-09-13 06:25:52 · answer #2 · answered by college kid 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If Rhodies are being sold in your area we will assume they are hardy there and should survive the winter. Their roots are what is very tender and if you might have some cold temps apply some mulch around the trunk but DO NOT pile it up around the trunk, just over where the roots are.
If you have to prune a Rhodie, the only reason you would prune it is for size and or shape and it is best to prune after it blooms.
By pruning, with out a doubt, you will loose some of next year flowers as they form directly beneath this years... but others form as well.
Best idea really, is to buy the right size plant / species for your growing spot. A rule of thumb for Rhodies is: the larger the leaf the larger the scrub will grow. If you want a smaller plant, buy one with smaller leaves.
2006-09-13 06:01:59 · answer #3 · answered by Barbados Chick 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I see you haven't any longer been bitten by way of the horticulture malicious program!! particular this is a plant, a perennial. It likes some dappled colour and sunlight - no longer complete sunlight -- those tailored to mountain habitat are in all hazard much less 'troubled' by way of people than those starting to be around city. in case you had finished a 'seek' on line extremely of asking right here you will possibly've had your solutions already. you have until eventually Weds, so get busy sweety... ;) stable success!!
2016-12-15 07:23:12 · answer #4 · answered by lindley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No do not prune it or you will be pruning off next years blooms.It won't die during the winter you really don't have to do anything to it.Hollytone is good to use spring and fall..
2006-09-13 05:45:00 · answer #5 · answered by cin_ann_43 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a Rhodie which I have had for many years. Its out in all weathers, even snow,ice ! I have never pruned it,if you do, you will lose the following years flowers. I do not dead head it either,,just remove the petals as they drop.Mine was absolutely laden with flowers this year,yet I do nothing to it!
2006-09-13 10:36:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I only trim what looks dead on mine. And because I am in NW ohio and winters are harsh I cover my new perennials with some burlap their first winter.
2006-09-13 05:46:40 · answer #7 · answered by theohiolutes25 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think to cut it back. I belong to garden'g groups under yahoo. If U wanna try ask'g, Im sure some1 knows the answer. Or try look'g for a gardening group in Ur area under Yahoo Groups. Here's the ones I belong to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/azseedexchange
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Phoenix_gardeners_exchange
Ive found them to b most helpful.
~ Bridget ~
2006-09-13 05:50:02 · answer #8 · answered by Bridget E 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Look up azalea. Same family.
2006-09-13 05:38:57 · answer #9 · answered by diturtlelady2004 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋