Young rhododendron are best pruned in the spring, after flowers have wilted. Prune back the end buds of new sprouts. This will force out side shoots.

This article explains further. It is unhelpful to prune woody plants during dry spells or when it is very cold. Rhododendrons and azaleas have fibrous, shallow root systems and need a lot of water.

Pruning back candles of a white pine or the new vegetative growth of a rhododendron will restrain the plant but it will not deter it from attempting to reach its mature size.

Rhododendron is a genus of more than 1,000 deciduous or evergreen flowering shrub species, with more than 25,000 cultivars and hybrids. They come in a wide range of sizes, flower colors and shapes ...

READ MORE: Need tips on how to prune back a rhododendron? Ask an Expert Rhododendrons and azaleas prefer slightly acid soils. Fertilizer is best applied soon after flowering in the spring.

Local News Ask the Gardener: How to prune a rhododendron Plus, what to do in your yard this month and tips for transplanting trees and moving your houseplants outdoors for the summer.

Answer: The best time to prune rhododendrons is after they have finished blooming. Rhododendrons are spring-blooming shrubs and they set their bloom in the fall.

Confused about pruning? Here are some of the most-asked pruning questions about forsythia, roses, fruit trees, rhododendrons and hydragea.

This article explains further. It is unhelpful to prune woody plants during dry spells or when it is very cold. Rhododendrons and azaleas have fibrous, shallow root systems and need a lot of water.

Ask the Gardener: How to prune a rhododendron Plus, what to do in your yard this month and tips for transplanting trees and moving your houseplants outdoors for the summer.