Rhododendrons typically set their flower buds by mid to late summer. This means that the buds for next year’s flowers are already formed and ready to go by this time. It’s important to keep this in mind when it comes to pruning these plants.
If you prune the branches of a rhododendron or azalea after the buds have been set, you risk removing next year’s flowers. This is because the buds are located on the ends of the branches, and pruning those branches will remove the buds along with them. So, it’s best to avoid pruning these plants after the buds have formed if you want to ensure a good display of flowers the following year.
However, it’s worth noting that rhododendrons and azaleas are known for their ability to send out new growth after they bloom or after a branch is pruned. So, if you do need to prune your rhododendron or azalea, it’s best to do so immediately after it has finished blooming. This will give the plant plenty of time to produce new growth before it sets its buds for the following year.
In my personal experience, I have made the mistake of pruning my rhododendron too late in the season, only to realize that I had removed all the flower buds for the next year. It was quite disappointing to see a lack of flowers the following spring. Since then, I have learned to be more careful about when I prune my rhododendrons and azaleas, making sure to do so right after they finish blooming.
To summarize, rhododendrons and azaleas set their flower buds by mid to late summer. Pruning branches after the buds have been set will remove next year’s flowers. It’s best to prune these plants immediately after they finish blooming to allow for new growth and ensure a beautiful display of flowers in the following year.
