Can you prune a leggy rhodadendrum?

Sorry about the spelling but it always gets me!
I have a 10 yr old rhody which has failed to flower for years and is very straggly. I put it in a container with ericaceous compost and it flowered last year for the first time. This year it is magnificent but all the flowers are on long bare branches. Can I prune back to old wood to make it compact or should I leave it to grow as it will?

 

Hello Postman Pat! How's Jess? I've looked in my RHS book and it says to prune lightly after flowering as it will flower on the previous years growth. So heavy pruning will lose you flowers next year. Cos I'm wussy in these situations I would prune a few back and see if they grow leaves, but I know there will be more braver souls offering you advice

 

I must say there are only 2 main branches with 3 smaller branches on each. I am afraid to remove one as if that doesnt grow any more Im left with even less branches. Can you cut into old wood?

 

PS Whos Jess?

 

Hi PP (and Jess). I have some mini-rhodies, a couple of which were very straggly last year. I cut them right back to the ground and one has done really well and thickened up, but the other two haven't caught up yet. I guess it depends how bold you're feeling. If you know the variety, you may be able to find more pruning info on the web?

 

The general consensus is to prune right back on only half of the bush (or even a third) so that you have flowers the next year on the remainder. Then do the same the second year on the other half (or third) and the same in the third year if you do it in thirds
hehehe
Is that clear?

 

Hi Whis4ey ,I cant prune a third as there are only 2 branches !! I will be brave though and cut one back. Celia and Dave. Ive just realised who Jess is. Im called after the nickname of our gardener and Ive never watched the progamme.

 

Rhoddies will come back after heavy pruning but it will be slooooow. I would just cut back one branch and see how it goes.
Another technique I've heard of but not tried is to make a nick just above a potential bud on the stem. This (so I am told) will fool the bud into thinking that the branch above it has been cut and encourage it to sprout. Can anyone confirm this?

 

But if he only cuts one branch he has cut half ?????
:D :D :D

 

hi postman pat
i think jess is the black and white cat

 

Im going to prune in a month and will try the nicking of the plant on the other branch. Many thanks