plant's root system to get well established during the colder fall and winter months. These fast growing, hardy plants can loom 6’ or more in your yard. Do you have a suggestion for a safe material? Pruning is essential to remove dead, dying, and diseased material. Since flower buds are produced in summer, early pruning will allow maximum flower bud production. My neighbor would like to replace with a panel fence that I’m worried will harm the trees since sunlight won’t be able to pass through. This region is usually defined as the province of British Columbia in Canada and the states of Washington and Oregon in the United States. What should I use? Rhododendron-Ramorum Leaf Blight and Shoot Dieback. – Ann Kinkley, OSU Extension Master Gardener, A post shared by Bozeman (@b0zeman) on Jun 3, 2019 at 6:56pm PDT, Q: I read that there are many bad choices for vegetable garden bed framing materials due to the leaching of chemicals into the soil. They stand at about 8 to 9 feet at present. Kym Pokorny | For The Oregonian/OregonLive, Subscribe to newsletters from The Oregonian/OregonLive. – Multnomah County, A: Rhododendrons are usually pruned in the spring, right after blooming. All rights reserved (About Us). Here are some questions asked by other gardeners. You can read it here. AURORA - Rhododendrons and azaleas herald spring in Oregon. After the plant is 10 years old, we would not recommend this type of pruning any more.. © 2020 Advance Local Media LLC. Rhododendrons range in size from tiny shrubs such as Rhododendron ‘Cilpinense’, R. lutescens and R. spinuliferum, with its red firecracker-like flowers, up to the impressive tree rhododendrons from the rainforests of the Himalayas in western China which reach 20-30m (up to 100′) tall. If the soil is not acidic enough, it can be amended with organic matter, such as peat moss. Fall has arrived, but gardening season is far from over. Not cedar. Before attempting to plant, test your soil’s pH. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. Please support high-quality local journalism. There are literally 100s of choices. They also start flowering by early summer, making them good additions in the short growing season of a northern garden.Warm season grasses start their growth much later in the spring. This will be a yearly task and since they bloom on new wood, this shouldn’t interfere with their flower production. Is the light they’ll receive above the fence line going to be sufficient or should I insist on another “good neighbor” fence? So, these materials are no longer recommended for use in edible gardens. — M.S., Mahopac, NY. Cool season ornamental grasses include fescue, ribbon grass (Phalaris), feather grass (Stipa), northern sea oats and tufted hair grass. (In fact, that’s the only time to prune birch trees and American elms.) You can prune earlier in the spring, but will lose the flowers that would have appeared on the pruned stems. The damp, mild climate of the Pacific Northwest is perfect for growing azaleas or rhododendrons; while growing in colder climes, especially the Northeast, can be a challenge. They add color to our yards and gardens and are generally easy to care for. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Shape your lavender into “ice cream cones”. Not a mound. We’d like to offer you a basic overview of how to prune your favorite plants so they renew themselves year after year: We’ve got a list of plants you DON’T want to prune, too. However, any time between the first frost in fall and the last frost in spring (while the sap is low) will work. Using a naturally decay-resistant wood (redwood, cedar) is more expensive up front but will last a little longer in our wet winters. Discover rhododendrons. Exposure to constant wind is not desirable, especially the salty This includes older treated lumber and railroad ties, for example, which have been found to leach small amounts of the wood preservative into the surrounding soil. RHODODENDRONS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST BY HERBERT IHRIG Ghairman, Rhododendron Committee Arboretum Foundation Seattle, Washington THE greatest area in America for growing rhododendrons is the Pacific Northwest. Although they are easy maintenance plants, they still require cutting back in the fall. Pop the stems and any remaining flowers in a vase in the house for a burst of fragrant scent. Best and Worst Time to Prune Rhododendrons. Rhododendrons and azaleas do well with direct light for at least part of the day. Prune rhododendrons soon after the blooms fade. Everyone has a list of “not to use”. They look very healthy now and are tall enough so that the lower branches between the hedge and the fence will thin out over time, but the side facing you should be just fine. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. Subscribe to newsletters from The Oregonian/OregonLive, including Homes & Gardens emailed to you every Friday. There are both evergreen and deciduous species of rhododendrons; they grow as shrubs and sometimes as small trees. If your large rhododendron is growing out of control and starting to look like a mess, you’ve got some pruning to do. It might seem like a drastic trim, but these hardy plants will grow back in no time. Cause Many different Phytophthora species, fungal-like microorganisms, can cause blights and dieback of Rhododendron alone without necessarily producing a root rot phase. Japanese blood grass, maiden grass (Miscanthus), fountain grass (Pennisetum) and hardy pampas grass (Saccharum) are all warm season grasses.Cool season grasses start producing new growth early in the spring, after temperatures begin to stay above freezing. Click this article to learn more. “Autumn Joy” Sedum is a popular plant in Pacific Northwest gardens. What is considered safe? You can prune out dead or diseased branches at any time, however. If you can, wait until January, when the birds have eaten their fill of the sedum seeds which have fallen to the ground. A: Rhododendrons are usually pruned in the spring, right after blooming. If you do see new growth, however, make sure to trim carefully, leaving the tender green shoots in place. – Clatsop County, A: It definitely can be difficult to make a decision about what materials to use to frame a raised bed. Learn how your comment data is processed. Pruning encourages new growth, so pruning in spring gives the new growth time to mature so it can survive winter’s harsh weather. Attractive landscape plants in cool and moist climates, many varieties have been struggling in the U.S. Pacific Northwest region as a result of sea coast winds and other tough conditions. Not concrete. Or, maybe you’re the one doing the pruning, trimming back plants that have finished their blooming cycle or have already started to go into dormancy. Join now. This article has additional information, Pruning Rhododendrons. Don't attempt to do it all at once. Sedum, Scotch heather, hydrangea, ornamental grasses and lavender are often at the top of the list for the color they provide and the ease of care they require. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Rhododendrons are easy to grow provided you plant them in a good location. If you look at arborvitae hedges as you drive around town, you will often see them next to a fence, and doing their best to come on through. Using untreated wood as a framing material is likely the least risky choice available (compared to treated wood, plastics, etc.) They may look irredeemably unattractive, but most rhododendron species can be restored to their former glory with severe pruning called "rejuvenation pruning." Rhododendron macrophyllum grows in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. So far, no one has given me a good option to use for materials that would be safe for consumable food. Established plants can be pruned heavily, to at least 1/3 of the growth. Give us a call at (360) 265-5231. If the plant isn’t taking over the yard or blocking your view, the ideal time to take pruning shears to a healthy rhododendron is in late winter. While Rhododendrons will tolerate shade as well as the Pacific Northwest sun, they thrive in areas that receive partial or filtered light. Cut them back so about a third of last year’s growth remains. that also offers cost effective and flexible building plans. Here in the Northwest, there are a variety of plants we call favorites. Need help with larger projects, like pruning trees and shrubs? Here is a nice article describing some common arborvitae issues that you may find helpful. Not creosote. However, the best time to prune rhododendrons is right after the plant stops blooming. You’ve probably been deadheading the flowers in your yard, and are ready to tackle larger projects, like trees and shrubs. As the bloom season winds down in early June, it signals a perfect time to groom and prune your rhododendrons to keep them from outgrowing their space. The cheerful blossoms provide a welcome burst of color when summer’s flowers are fading. Follow this simple rule: remove any canes that gave you fruit. A: You can prune your rhododendrons anytime. There is minimal research data available on exactly which materials are considered safe but some materials that have been discovered to be more risky choices. Rhododendrons, many species of which offer showy displays of large blossoms, are the state flowers of West Virginia and Washington state. What most people seem to do is to fertilize twice a year, the first time in February/March before the plants really start growing and the second time in June, right at the end of flowering season. Wobbly, lanky branches may indicate that the area has become too shady. PH test kits are simple to use and available to purchase at garden centers. Either that or because Forsythia is so popular here look for it coming into bloom. – Brooke Edmunds, OSU Extension horticulturist. The best time to prune your rhododendron is within a couple of weeks after flowering is finished. My easternmost hedge I planted within a couple of feet from a “good neighbor” fence that allows sunlight to pass through. Prune before the blooming season to reduce the number of flowers. Plants in warm, relatively frost-free southern climates can be pruned in late winter, while plants in colder northern climates may stay dormant longer. You should prune the rhododendron before the buds form so you don’t lop off the following year’s flowers. Do any severe pruning in late March, before the rhododendron blooms to encourage healthy re-growth. The best time to prune rhododendrons is right after the flowers fade. Prune back to a whorl of leaves or to an obvious growth point where new green growth is emerging. Hopefully, you’ve eaten your fill of the tasty gems, and frozen some for the winter months. At this … In the Landscape: Rhododendrons have long been a favorite of landscapers in the Pacific Northwest. For the first application I for years used Green Valley 10-8-6 Rhododendron and Azalea fertilizer. Rhododendrons prefer acidic soil with a pH of about 5.5. You can continue this practice and will be rewarded with plants that have increased branching, and thus more flowers. To prevent too much flower loss, look for … See more ideas about Pruning rhododendrons, Rhododendron, Propagation. Trimming rhododendrons for shape tends to sacrifice a few blooms. Go even heavier on older plants, but don’t go into leafless wood. Aug 10, 2019 - Explore Alex Watkins's board "Pruning rhododendrons" on Pinterest. But to get the most flowering power, you may need to fertilize. Or, use longer bladed hedging shears to make short work of your task. If planned well, a garden can dazzle with rhododendron and azalea blossoms all season long by planting plants that bloom from late winter to late spring. – Anne Schmidt, OSU Extension Master Gardener, Q: I have established a hedge inside my property line using arborvitae and they are flourishing at year three. They are an integral part of many landscapes, and their variety is astounding. Following are tips and essential information where to plant how to grow, care, deadhead and prune rhododendrons … Do you have low growing heathers in your yard, like Scotch heathers? Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/20). © 2020 Levy's Lawns and Landscaping | 916 Division St, Port Orchard, WA 98366 | (360) 876-6567 | todd@levyslawnsandlandscaping.com, Levy’s Lawns and Landscaping in the Pacific Northwest – (360) 876-6567, Levy’s Lawns and Landscaping, Bainbridge Island, WA, Levy’s Lawns and Landscaping, Belfair, Allyn, WA, Levy’s Lawns and Landscaping, Bremerton, WA, Levy’s Lawns & Landscaping Gig Harbor, WA, Levy’s Lawns & Landscaping, Port Orchard, WA, Levy’s Lawns and Landscaping, Poulsbo, WA, Levy’s Lawns and Landscaping, Silverdale, WA, Fall Pruning Basics for Your Favorite Pacific Northwest Plants, 5 Easy Tips for Winterizing your Lawn in the Pacific Northwest. Then, the new growth that occurs after pruning will have time to set flower buds that will bloom the following spring. Locations near high branched trees at the edge of a woodland, or an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal. Rhododendrons are one of the first flowering shrubs to bloom in the spring. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. If you wish to prune repeat-flowering roses – inclusive of hybrid teas and floribunda roses – in the Pacific Northwest it’s best to do so towards the end of February. Prune them in February to between three and twelve inches high. Be careful not to cut them back too far, or you can seriously damage the plant.Warm season grasses can be left untended until the spring, but not so long that new foliage starts to sprout. Subscribe to OregonLive. Excessive shade normally results in very limited flowering. Remove all the spent blossoms. Not redwood. The common name of Rhododendron macrophyllum is the Pacific, Western, or Coast Rhododendron. You can prune in early spring or late winter to discourage your plant from producing as many flowers, and encourage it to put its energy into growing new branches and leaves. In general, wait until late winter or very early spring to trim back your cool season grasses. With your pruning shear, carefully prune right below the blossoms where there’s still green. To ask a question, simply go to the OSU Extension website and type in a question and the county where you live. And spring is a good time to give these beautiful shrubs the care they deserve. Rhododendrons that have outgrown their site or have become tall, ungainly, and sparse of bloom can be rejuvenated by judicious pruning, preferably in early spring. Ornamental grasses are popular in our Northwest gardens, too. Snip the flower heads off the stems of your hydrangeas, just above the swollen buds at the base of the flowers. We’re still getting plenty of questions to Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State University’s Extension Service. For shade trees like ash and oak, winter is the perfect time. Rhododendrons appreciate filtered shade, but will not set bloom properly in dark shade. From your description it sounds like you are growing edible crops (veggies) and are not interested in an unframed/mound type raised bed. The cheerful blossoms provide a welcome burst of color when summer’s flowers are fading. When to Prune Trees: Winter. Best Time for Trimming Rhododendrons According to most professional landscapers, the ideal time for pruning rhododendrons is late winter, while the plant is dormant. As fall quickly approaches, if you’re like most Pacific Northwest gardeners, you’ve got Levy’s Lawns and Landscape or other landscape company out in the yard, pruning, lopping and cutting back the abundant remains of your garden. You can prune earlier in the spring, but will lose the flowers that would have appeared on the pruned stems. Unfortunately, there just haven’t been studies done on long-term raised bed framing materials utilized under all the different growing conditions, soil, fertilizer regimes, and edible plant combinations. When is the best time to prune flowering shrubs and hedges, such as dwarf cork bushes, azaleas, rhododendrons, and lilacs? As you have found from your own research, there is data available that has deemed certain materials riskier. This can be frustrating when you want a clear answer. Then, use your pruning shears to trim the stems down to about 3” from the ground. Plan to rebuild or maintain beds sooner than beds constructed from treated wood or other materials. “Autumn Joy” Sedum is a popular plant in Pacific Northwest gardens. Prune earlier in the Pacific Northwest region plant is 10 years old, we would not recommend type! 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