Rhododendron Rejuvenation Pruning: Staged or Drastic

Two Approaches

1. Staged (safer): Cut longest branches this fall, more next fall. Avoids shock.
2. Drastic (late fall/winter): Cut hard to 12–18 inches. Slow regrowth (years).

Key Point

Healthy large rhododendrons tolerate both. Staged preserves bloom; drastic sacrifices flowers for years.