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When to prune rhododendron

Within about 3 weeks after flowers fade. Same as azalea: next year's buds set in summer. Snapping off spent flower trusses helps vigor.

Typeshrub
Blooms onold wood
Bloom seasonspring
When to pruneWithin about 3 weeks after flowers fade
StopNo heavy pruning in the 6–8 weeks before your first fall frost

Avoid

Late-summer and fall pruning.

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Sources

Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.

All pruning timing