How far back should I trim this rhododendron?

[Sky_Pickle]

Hello!

I’m a bit new to gardening. We have this wild rhododendron that needs some help. How far back can I trim it without hurting it? Or should I leave it?

Thanks!

 

[Martin Mikulcik]

It don't look too hot so it might die if you go too hard. If you're going to prune it anyway, i recommend someone like every other branch and not every one

 

[Sky_Pickle]

It don't look too hot so it might die if you go too hard. If you're going to prune it anyway, i recommend someone like every other branch and not every one

Thank you for your input!

 

[DiggersJo]

After flowering (if it does) I would (simplistically put) take off outside the circle here and the larger branch as per this:-

perhaps over 2-3 years get it how you want it

 

[Sluggy]

Clear some of the ground around the base. Prune after flowering to just above a leaf node. Then go with the above suggestions. It will only flower once a year?

 

[Esther Knapicius]

Judging from the house wall, it looks like over 6 foot. It still has to bloom this year, so there should be buds there. Wait till it blooms. My method is to prune out what branches are rubbing another, keep the best looking one. then clear up the suckers at the bottom. Then stand back and do an all over 2 foot off to give it some shape. Wild ones are tough plants.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

Guess I should have added, I have about 4-5 of them in my back valley garden area, they poke out on the brim of the slope, nice and pink. Which reminds me, the Lilac tree had too many suckers at its base, have to get down there and saw off.

 

[Sky_Pickle]

After flowering (if it does) I would (simplistically put) take off outside the circle here and the larger branch as per this:-


View attachment 114084

perhaps over 2-3 years get it how you want it

Thank you. We moved into this house last year and it had flowers .

 

[Sky_Pickle]

Judging from the house wall, it looks like over 6 foot. It still has to bloom this year, so there should be buds there. Wait till it blooms. My method is to prune out what branches are rubbing another, keep the best looking one. then clear up the suckers at the bottom. Then stand back and do an all over 2 foot off to give it some shape. Wild ones are tough plants.

Thank you!