Rhododendron Pruning Time and Coffee Grounds for Acid Soil

Gardener wants to prune a large rhododendron and asks about using Starbucks coffee grounds for soil acidity.

Pruning Time

• Prune immediately after flowering in spring.
• Maximum removal: 1/3 of shrub per year.

Coffee Grounds: Excellent Acidic Amendment

• Used grounds pH ~6.7 (mildly acidic). Fresh coffee ~6.3.
• Benefits: acidifies soil, adds nitrogen (2-0.3-0.2), repels slugs, attracts earthworms.
• Safe for lawns, roses, blueberries, lilies, rhododendrons.
• Avoid for lilacs, phlox (prefer alkaline).

Application

Work grounds into soil around drip line. Free from Starbucks—ask for bags.

Prune right, feed with coffee, enjoy healthier rhododendrons.