Is rhododendron cut off for winter or not? Rules of procedure

Azalea (rhododendron) has an attractive appearance. But for this capricious plant to please everyone with its flowering, you need to know how to properly care for it.

One of the main points in the care is to trim the bush, which you can learn more about by reading this article.

So, you will find out what types of pruning are there, especially the azalea blooms, whether pruning is needed in the winter, and how to do it right.

Definition of the procedure and its types

Pruning is one of the principles of plant care.in which there is a complete or partial removal of any of its organs. It is most often used for the correct formation of the crown and to improve flowering.

Pruning is of the following types:

• formative;
• supporting;
• recovery;
• sanitary;
• regulatory;
• anti-aging.

In plants, branches, shoots, and roots can be removed. The choice of parts with which they want to complete this procedure depends on the purpose.

Not only pruning rhododendron, as preparation for winter, is considered caring for the plant, but sheltering the plant is important. Learn more about hiding rhododendron for the winter here.

Features of flowering plants

Azaleas usually bloom in winter. By flowering period, they are divided into such groups:

• early (bloom from November to December);
• medium (end of December - February);
• later (February - May).

Do I need to prune azaleas in winter?

Consider the question - is it necessary to carry out the procedure for pruning azaleas in the winter or not and when is it better to do it.

The plant is usually pruned approximately 2 weeks after the end of the flowering period.Therefore, most azaleas do not need to be pruned in winter, because at that time they bloom and this procedure has to be carried out in spring. Also, pruning does not need to be done, as preparation for winter before flowering (for more details on preparing rhododendron in autumn for winter, see this material).

How right?

Inventory

Most often, pruning shears are used for soft shoots and branches up to 10 mm in diameter. If you need to trim large branches, then a pruning shear will be needed. After pruning, the azalea needs to align the slices, for which a garden knife is used. You may also need clippers. The tool for removing parts of the bush should be clean and preferably disinfected.

Selection of the cutting location

Before pruning the azalea, it is necessary to examine it well. The most overgrown or thickest branches are usually pruned., and vice versa - the weakest parts of the plant, to provide an opportunity for the development of new shoots. The lower shoots most often do not need pruning.

Also, the place of cut must be chosen based on those wishes, which you want to see later on the bush. If you want the crown to become wider, then you need to trim the side branches. And vice versa, if it is necessary that the plants stretch up, you need to cut the upper branches.

Action algorithm

For abundant flowering, timely cutting of azaleas is necessary. If this is not done, then the bush will become loose. Step-by-step instructions on how to properly do this procedure:

1. After flowering, it is imperative to remove inflorescences that have dried up.
2. Cut last year’s branches and those that are overgrown. In this case, 3-4 leaves are usually left on the shoots.
3. To remove shoots that grow inside the bush.
4. Weak, dying or dry branches must be removed, otherwise they will interfere with the further growth of azalea.
5. Cut the ends to the desired length, thereby giving the plant a neat shape.

Cut material can be used for propagation.. If after the procedure, the bush grows again, then at the end of summer you can cut the plant again.

Treatment

To prevent the development of infectious and fungal diseases, it is necessary to treat the cut points with grinded coal, oil paint, garden varnish or RanNet paste.

Difficulties and problems

If everything is done correctly, then there will be no special problems after this procedure. But if you forget about the processing of the tool and the places of cut, the plant may be in danger in the form of diseases or fungi. Also excessive pruning can damage the bush and it will overgrow for a long time and incorrectly or it will not bloom for a long time.

Further care

After pruning the azalea, for some time it must be left alone because this procedure is a great stress for the bush. And leaving at this time should not differ from usual, more specifically about this we will consider below.

The next moment in caring for the plant, after cutting off unnecessary shoots, is a transplant. To do this, you need to take a pot larger in width than the previous one and special land bought in the store. Then transplant the plant by transshipment (more details about planting can be found here).

As for watering the azalea, it is recommended to use melt cool water, especially when the ambient temperature is too hot. While, while there are no flowers, you need to spray the bush to create moisture.

If you take care of the plant correctly, then there should be no problems and diseases. But for the prevention of pests and sores, azalea can be sprayed with a one percent bordeaux solution.

Conclusion

The most important factor that affects the health and beauty of azaleas is proper care for it. By following the pruning and grooming recommendations listed in this article, you will get a beautiful, lushly flowering, vibrant bush.

Watch the video: How to Prune Bushes & Shrubs. Lawn & Garden Care (November 2024).