Re: Rhodies (but not deer)

At 09:48 AM 02/18/2000 -0500, you wrote:
>While we are on the subject of Rhodedendrons, I just read in one of my
>gardening books that you could rejuvenate an old overgrown planting of
>rhodies (inc. azaleas) by cutting them all back to 6" or so from the
>ground. The author states that it will be three years or so before you get
>any blooming, but that the plants will thrive on this treatment.
>
>Has anybody ever tried this?
>
>Gerry
>*********
Gerry
We cut them back for customers all the time.  The approach you noted will
work but let me suggest a slightly different method.  On the first year cut
about 1/3 rd of the "canes " back .  This will let in light to allow the
new , resulting,shoots to grow well.  Second year you can take off the rest
of the larger "canes, and some touch up the third year.  We combine this
with some carefull top pruning
(selective)  and our customer are always happy.( no embarassing questions
from the neighbors!)
>
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