Friday, June 3, 2011

The Jumbo Rhododendron

We have a large rhododendron that blooms every year in late May. It was here when we bought the house back in 2000. The house was built in 1933 & I'm so curious as to when it was originally planted. Wouldn't it be cool if it was as old as the house?

My husband always wants to prune it, but I'm afraid to have him touch it, so it's kind of taken on a life of its own. Here she is one week ago:



This baby is huge...over 6 feet tall, and over 9 feet wide from front to back. It's beautiful & the flowers are so lovely, but do you think it should be trimmed? I've had so many people compliment us on it & when I mention pruning it, they tell me to just leave it alone.

Any thoughts/suggestions from the green thumbs out there?

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7 comments:

  1. Something Nice and PrettyJune 3, 2011 at 8:19:00 AM EDT

    Hi Gina! I have the same type and color in front of our house, Mr. K does trim ours, I don't know how big it would be if he didn't. If you love it the way it is I'd leave it alone, it sure is beautiful. I hope it's from 1933 wouldn't that be neat?
    Thanks so much for stopping by, I can always count on you to leave a sweet comment:)
    Have a wonderful day!
    Rondell

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  2. UnknownJune 3, 2011 at 8:37:00 AM EDT

    Gina, I am not an expert but I do know that if you want to tidy it up, you should do it once it is done blooming. If you wait till fall or next spring you will loose your blooms. Always prune just after the bloom cycle. It is truly a beautiful bush and I think like hair plants will be even lovlier after a slight trim.

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  3. UnknownJune 3, 2011 at 8:55:00 AM EDT

    Gina, wow it's so pretty... wait till fall to prune it... hope you have a good weekend

    Pattie

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  4. Ricki TreleavenJune 3, 2011 at 1:02:00 PM EDT

    I agree with Pattie. If you prune it at all, wait until fall. It is so pretty!

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  5. AnaJune 4, 2011 at 10:12:00 AM EDT

    Oh Gina,
    You know me...Don't even know what I'm doing in my garden so I will not even try to give you advice...Hee, hee, hee...But it sure is very pretty. Good luck. Have a wonderful weekend my dear friend.

    Much love,
    ♥Ana

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  6. Stephanie ~ Angelic AccentsJune 5, 2011 at 10:28:00 PM EDT

    Oh, Gina, that is spectacular and I love the giant size of it! It adds so much beauty with that big ol' splash of pink next to the pretty green grass!

    Looking forward to seeing you at the Wedding Blog party Friday!!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  7. KathleenJune 8, 2011 at 9:39:00 PM EDT

    Here we prune right after it blooms or you may lose next years blooms. My neighbor has two that are about 20 ft tall. I am posting them on Sunday . Same color as yours.
    Have some your color, some red and a few white. I wish they lasted longer!
    Thanks so much for visiting me, and good luck with your new bathroom. I am sure it will be beautiful!

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