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Category: Shrubs

In my guide I show you how to when and how to prune rhododendrons to rejuvenate shrubs, prolong flowering and general pruning
When and how to prune rhododendrons

When and how to prune rhododendrons

Rhododendrons don’t need a lot of pruning; even as a professional gardener, I’ve not pruned rhododendrons too often, with the exception of cutting back overgrown or dead sections. You can prune rhododendrons to keep them in shape, remove spent flowers to serve energy, rejuvenate the plant or remove diseased or dead bits. Most pruning is best down bwteen late winter after the first frost and right up to the last frost in spring. This is when they are technically dormant…

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Learn possible why your rhododendron buds might be falling off which includes lack of water, bud blast and even vine weevils.
Why are my rhododendron buds falling off?

Why are my rhododendron buds falling off?

The main reason that rhododendron buds are falling off is usually drought or lack of water when grown in pots. Usually, they develop buds around June and July, so ensure they have enough water during this time as they form. More on this below. Drought is not the only cause of bud drop, so in this article, I also identify other causes and what you can do about all of this. Not getting enough water Rhododendrons usually develop flower buds…

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In this guide, I discuss some of the many Rhododendron pests and diseases that attack them including mildew as well as leaf hoppers that spread bud blast disease
Rhododendron pests and diseases

Rhododendron pests and diseases

I have found that Rhododendrons are quite hardy plants and except for drooping leaves caused by cold winters, mildew and even vine weevil can be an issue as discussed here. Usually, they are generally problem free. That being said, after growing rhododendrons for over 20 years, there is a selection of rhododendron pests including scale insects and vine weevils which can become a problem. There are also a number of diseases that can harm them which I’m always on the…

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Rhododendrons are sometimes effected by powdery mildew but its not always easy to identify.
How to Treat Rhododendrons with Powdery Mildew

How to Treat Rhododendrons with Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a common disease on many plants, and rhododendrons are no exception but there is one big difference. On Rhododendrons, the white mildew usually associated with powdery mildew often doesn’t develop like on other plants making it sometimes harder to identify. However, the leaves usually develop a yellowish-green or purplish-brown spots or blotches on the surface of the leaves. The good news is that it isn’t necessarily fatal to your plant and can be treated. If you have…

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In this guide, I talk about why rhododendrons sometimes get brown leaves also known as leaf scorch. Usually caused by environmental issues
Why has my rhododendron got brown leaves?

Why has my rhododendron got brown leaves?

Over the years, I have been asked many times about rhododendrons where the leaves have turned brown and sometimes the leaves also appear to be drooping which is covered in a separate guide. Most of the time, having brown leaves on your rhododendron is usually the result of something known as leaf scorch and sometimes even powdery mildew. Leaf scorch is usually caused by very cold weather, especially wet weather where the soil is saturated but also by the complete…

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In this guide, I show you how to prune photinia red robin and discuss when the best time of year to do this is. Learn more now
How to prune Photinia Red Robin

How to prune Photinia Red Robin

Photinia Red Robin is one of those plants that you don’t have to worry that you’ll over prune. I usually recommend that you regularly prune photinia to keep it to the shape and height that you want. And also to stop the unpleasantly scented white flowers from blooming or to prune back a photinia that has been badly infected with black spot disease as discussed here. Why prune photinia Red Robin? This shrub grows very actively, often increasing 30cm (1ft)…

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In this guide, I show you how to grow photinia plants from cutting step by step from when to take cuttings to planting them out.
How to grow photinia from cuttings

How to grow photinia from cuttings

To grow photinia from cuttings is a straightforward task. Just follow these steps for a good chance at successfully propagating this plant in this way. I have had the most success with Photina cuttings when taken in late summer or early autumn (Fall) where the cutting is taken from the current season’s growth and the base of the cuttings will be hard and the tip soft. You can also take them as softwood cuttings. Prepare the pots and soil I…

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In this guide, I show you how i grow my photinias in pots and how to care for them from planting to pruning and winter care.
How to grow photinia plants in pots and containers

How to grow photinia plants in pots and containers

Don’t be put off by the thought that photinias can grow to 5m high and wide in about eight years. With regular pruning and good care, growing photinias in pots or containers is possible and not too difficult. You can also get varieties like photinia ‘little red robin’ and photinia pink marble that grows well in pots too as they are smaller growing varieties growing as little as 1 meter tall. What photinia to grow in pots? The most popular…

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In this guide I cover pests and diseases that attack Photinia shrubs and how to help prevent and treat them. See whats effecting your plants.
Photinia pests and diseases

Photinia pests and diseases

Photinia pests and diseases aren’t of great concern as these are strong and hardy shrubs that overall, don’t seem to suffer too much apart from when it comes to black spots on the leaves which I covered in detail in this article. I have also covered problems with yellowing leaves and dropping leaves in my guide here. In this guide, I cover some other pests and diseases that are attracted to photinia’s and discuss what to do about these photinia…

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In this guide, I talk about Why your photinia leaves are turning yellow and falling off. It has many causes from disease to stress from cold weather or lack of water.
Why are my photinia leaves turning yellow and falling off?

Why are my photinia leaves turning yellow and falling off?

Following on from my guide on growing photinia, I’ve got a couple of lollipop photinias in large pots as well as an established Photinia hedge so I’ve had my fair share of problems with the leaves on my photinias turning yellow and falling off. This can often just be a natural stage in their lives and occasionally, they go through a period of just dropping their leaves. I have also found with my photinias grown in pots, and I used…

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