Pruning Topics: Seven Solutions to the "Too-Big" Rhododendron. Seven Solutions to the"Too-Big" Rhododendron by Cass Turnbull The problem with rhododendrons is, well, they're touchy. Sometimes you head back a branch to a node, and when you return next month you find that, instead of sending out new shoots, the branch simply gave up and died. On other occasions people reduce their rhodies to the height or width they want, only to discover that by the time the plants have developed decent, full leafy crowns, they're back up to about the size they were before.
The hardest plants to prune are old previously chain-sawed rhododendrons. The new growth looks like spaghetti. Although many can be brought back to a semblance of beauty with years of rehabilitative pruning, these casualties are often so indisputably ugly that removal is a more realistic solution. 1) Prune it. Most people think their rhody is too big, but really it's just too oppressive and/or crowded.
The horticulturally correct pruner takes out all the dead wood. 2) Move it or the bed it's in. How to transplant a mature rhododendron - LawnSite.com™ - Lawn Care & Landscaping Business Forum. Transplanting Hardy & Florist Rhododendron and Azaleas Most rhododendron and azalea plants sold at nurseries and garden centers are "hardy", grown to be planted outdoors in the climate of the nursery or garden center. These plants are usually quite easy to transplant but some precautions are important to insure success.
Because the roots grow near the surface, a bed prepared especially for rhododendron and azaleas need not be more than 12 inches deep; deep planting or too much mulch in the growing season keeps the roots from getting the air they need. In fact, it is a good idea to set rhododendron about 1 inch higher than they grew at the nursery. Balled-and-burlaped plants may be transplanted in blossom but it is better to transplant them early in spring in areas where their hardiness is questionable, and in spring or fall if mild winter weather does not damage the shallow-rooted plants. Make sure that the plant is getting wet. How to Safely Transplant Rhododendrons and other large plants. Q and A: Moving a Rhododendron : Archive. Q: Due to a house addition, I will have to move my rhododendron. It's about five feet high and wide and has been growing next to the north side of the house.
We are at the south end of Zone 5, so the winter sun and January thaw are hard on some of the early bloomers. Would the north side of an evergreen be a good place to relocate it? A: Some rhodies grow in full sunshine but most prefer shade. The roots of the rhodie will be within the top 10 to 12 inches of soil and will radiate out beyond the branches. Drape an old sheet over the top, then tie it loosely to keep the branches from being broken in transit. . — National Gardening Association. Moving a Large Rhododendron. Moving a Large RhododendronMoving a large azaleaMoving a 40 year old Chinese Witchhazel As rhododendrons grow larger, they often become too crowded. This orbiculare was overpowering its neighbors, and nearly blocked a path. Now it fills a gap on the garden border. Moving small rhododendrons is relatively easy, since they form compact root balls with no taproot.
Transplanting large ones is challenging, but often necessary. First, a word of warning: moving large rhododendrons puts a real strain on the body, even when you use the right equipment and methods. Pruning Pruning before transplanting large rhododendrons serves two purposes. Remember that pruning can be done below ground, too. Digging Begin by making a few test cuts with the spade to find the edge of the fibrous root ball. Then make a tapered cut all the way around the plant, pushing the spade down to its full depth. Transporting Getting the very large rhododendron out of the hole is often harder than digging it. Moving rhodos and azaleas - Azalea & Rhododendron Forum. Yes, azaleas and rhododendrons are shallow rooted. Also, they can be moved any time, however some times are safer when the plant has less stress.
Pruning is recommended to remove the demands on the roots. When transplanting a large plant several steps should be followed: First, it is best to stimulate a tight root ball by root pruning the plants to be moved about a year before moving. This is accomplished by cutting a circle around the plant stem with a shovel to cut off roots that extend beyond this point. This radius is usually slightly smaller than half way to the drip line.
Second, it is best to move when the plant is dormant and not stressed. Third, take precautions to preserve the integrity of the root ball. Finally, pruning the top helps match the demands of the top to the capability of the roots after they are stressed by the move. Rhododendrons: moving a Rhododendron - UBC Botanical Garden Forums. They can be moved...and now would be the time to do it! Make sure the new spot is shady enough and will be moist enough for it!! Any plant will go into a bit of shock when moved...keeping the time it's out of the ground to the shortest amount as is possible will help to limit how severe the shock is. so, you'll want to dig the hole in the new location ahead of time. go down at least 1 1/2 feet and it should be at least 2 feet in diameter. you may have to increase the size after you take the old one up - doing most of the digging beforehand just saves time and keeps the transplantee from being out of the ground for too long. if the rootball is bigger than the hole you prepared, make it bigger. also, loosen the soil at the bottom and sides of the new hole - just use a hand spade and break it up a bit. the stimulant can be stored for about a week and you can boost with it again in a week (might be 10 days, check the label).
Transplanting Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Rhododendrons and azaleas growing closely among trees or large shrubs may not be possible to move successfully if they have been in their location for a long time and the roots of the various trees and shrubs have become intertwined. In this case it is better to purchase or propagate new plants. If your plants are going to be bull-dozed where they sit, you might consider trying to dig them, getting as many roots as you can, cutting back the tops somewhat, and giving them very good aftercare. Most rhododendrons you may wish to move are probably not in such a location and are not too difficult to transplant.
Deciduous azaleas, especially our native deciduous, may have sparse and widely spread out root systems. Care must be taken when moving them to get as many roots as possible, and if the root systems are small, the tops should be cut back drastically to within six to eight inches of the ground. Smaller deciduous azaleas are usually more successfully moved than larger ones. The Self Watering Rain Gutter Grow System! The total no maintenance garden!
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