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What to do with this rhododendron?

justinexyz 549justinexyz 549 Posts: 28
in Plants
Hi, this was already here when we moved in about 18 months ago. Didn’t do much in the garden but pretty sure it didn’t flower. This year it’s got just one flower on. It doesn’t look very old and is only waist height. Do I prune it right back, and when? 

Thanks 🙂


Posts

  • justinexyz 549justinexyz 549 Posts: 28
    There is also another one with a few buds on but it should be flowering by now?
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,501
    edited May 2021
    Any chance of a proper view of the flower? The bit of it I can see looks the same colour as Rhododendron ponticum, which is a 'weed' rhododendron that self seeds and spreads invasively. Its pollen is also poisonous to bees, so you might not wish to keep it.
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,659
    Be patient.
    Some Rhododendrons flower in January.
    Others may not flower until June.
    If you prune now you will not get any more flowers for a year or 2.

    Suggest you weed, then water very well, then put a thick layer of composted bark over the roots. In a large circle. Do not let bark touch the trunk.
    It will supress weeds and keep soil damp.
    Rhodo's have very shallow roots.They hate dry soil.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • justinexyz 549justinexyz 549 Posts: 28
    edited May 2021
    Buttercupdays said:
    Any chance of a proper view of the flower? The bit of it I can see looks the same colour as Rhododendron ponticum, which is a 'weed' rhododendron that self seeds and spreads invasively. Its pollen is also poisonous to bees, so you might not wish to keep it.
    I’m happy for it to go it’s not very attractive! There are no other buds on it at all

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,501
    It does look very like it to me. Some info here:
    insideecology.com/2017/09/06/invasive-non-native-species-uk-rhododendron-ponti…

  • justinexyz 549justinexyz 549 Posts: 28
    Crikey, why would the previous owners put those there? I nearly bought a lovely shrub from dobbies earlier but I felt sorry for it and thought I’d try and make it better with advice from here! I’m aiming for a cottage garden look and it would be best if it was gone, now I don’t feel so bad 😀
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,659
    Many people love the ones with variegated leaves..maybe  Rhododendron 'Variegata Ponticum' 
    Personally I love Rhodo's but detest the ones with variegated leaves.
    Just as well we are all different.
    If you don't like it ...it is your garden now ..just remove it.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
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