Rhododendrons: restorative pruning of rhodos

Hello all, I am hoping that someone will be able to shed some light on restorative pruning of Rhododendron arboreum, ie is it posssible?when is the best time?The Rhodos in question are between 100-150 years old and are really stretched out from there original planting spots.I'm aware that this procedure will take a few years and I'd like to get started as soon as possible. Many thanks for any advice Darren

 

Will supposedly regrow from hard pruning, done all at once. There was an article years ago actually advocating this as a routine procedure. Too bad you have to lose whatever height they have built up in 100+ years.

 

Ron B. What is your thoughts on using the 1/3 method of pruning to reduce and rejuvenate aged shrubs, for this Rhodo species?

Do you find/see any dormant or latent buds on the stems that would give you an indication of potential regrowth?

 

How about one of these methods?
http://www.plantamnesty.org/pruning_topics/pt_rhodies_too_big.htm
Newt

 

Newt,

The link doesn't work. Sounds like it might be interesting though.

Ray

 

Hi Ray,

Thanks so much for letting me know. It seems that everyone is changing their websites these days. If that happens to you again, what I did was delete enough of the URL to get the main site and looked around until I found it. I also changed my bookmarks. Here's their new one.
http://www.plantamnesty.org/pruning_topics/pt_rhodies_too_big.htm

Hope you find it helpful,
Newt

 

Newt,

Thanks. That's very helpful.

Ray

 

Ray, you are very welcome! I'm really glad you let me know so I could update my bookmarks. It worked out well for both of us and everyone else as well. :)

Newt