Right after azaleas and rhododendrons are finished blooming is the best time to do any pruning they may need. These shrubs make blooms that flower on the prior years wood. So you have to be careful when pruning them since buds for next spring will be made this summer, and you dont want to prune those off.
Additionally, what to do with rhododendrons after flowering? After flowering, deadhead where practical, to promote vegetative growth rather than seed production. Remove dead flowers from rhododendrons carefully; next years buds are just under the old heads and will start to develop shortly after flowering.
In this way, can you cut rhododendrons to the ground?
On the primary branches, make your cut just above a latent bud, or even better, a cluster of buds. In severe cases, you can sometimes cut your rhododendron to within 6 inches of the ground. Many rhododendron species and hybrids can be severely pruned and come back as good as new.
Will rhododendron leaves grow back?
Can I expect the leaves to grow back, or should I replace these shrubs? Answer: Chances are good that your rhododendrons will recover. Make sure that they are not further stressed by abnormally dry conditions; provide them supplemental water during dry spells. Remove it in spring before the shrubs begin to bloom.
