Shrek wrote:

My PJM Rhodos. just finished up their lovely display of spring bloosoms.
Question is, what kind of pruning should I do to promote new growth and next
spring bloosoms.

For maximum flower production, pinch off faded flowers or the developing
seed capsules that follow [deadheading]. Pruning is seldom needed except
for removal of faded flowers, but if it is needed, branches may be
trimmed immediately after flowering. Prune in the spring after the bloom
has faded and before mid-summer. Rhododendrons start to form the next
years flower buds in mid summer and by fall the buds are fairly well
developed. Pruning after mid summer removes the next years flower buds.
Rhododendron and azaleas may be pruned after the flowers have faded to
induce new growth. Prune out dead, diseased or damaged branches, and in
cases where plants have become scraggly, start cutting the oldest
branches back to encourage growth in younger branches. Pruning in the
fall is not recommended since it will remove the buds for next years
flowers.

Most successful rhododendron gardeners do not deadhead. It is not
because they don't believe in it or that they don't want to do it, but
rather because they have so many plants and so many other more important
tasks that they don't have time to do it. Does this cause a problem? Not
really. Some plants that are reluctant to bloom or have disease problems
such as petal blight or in an area that is marginal for the plant in
question may benefit from deadheading, but that is unusual.

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Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA USA
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