My bald 30+yr old Rhodie

Here is a photo of my Rhododendron - was here when I moved in 30 years ago - and was quite bald then. I dug it up years ago - put it into a large pot with ericaceous compost but it has never re-sprouted on the stems - unlike those I see in Greenwich Park which are beautiful and lush.

To be honest, it does not take pride of place - gets mid morning and late evening sun and over the years I have pulled the flowering shoots to the front to cover the bald stems but when it flowers it is a beauty.

Here it is today - from the side



And front view



I have always thought there's no improving it - new shoots come from the end of branches under the flowers every year and I have tried to propagate one or two of these shoots always unsuccessfully - although this year I have noticed a couple of shoots from further down the stem on one of the branches. I am tempted to try to propagate these but if I take them, I will be removing what will eventually be flowering branches. I will be feeding regularly this year for sure, as this, along with the rest of the garden, has been neglected for a few years.

S

 

Dont bother trying to propagate, they are not easy.
I'd reduce the lanky stems on the left this spring, back to a couple of inches of the main stem, they should shoot this summer.
If so you can then reduce a couple more, back to the main stem next spring after flowering.
I dont think you will get new growth from the main stem without cutting back.
They have a tendency to only make extension growth, unless cut back.

 

Thanks for that Pete - I never knew I could cut it back hard like that - thinking cutting into old wood and that - by "this Spring" do you mean now ? or wait till next March/April ? Even though those twiggy branches have flowers at the end, I am happy to cut them off if it means the plant will bush

S

 

After the flowers are finished will be OK.
Wouldn't guarantee it will work but if you do a few branches at a time it should be ok.

 

When I say a few branches at a time, I mean a couple this year then a couple more next year.

 

Yes, will start with the couple of straggly ones at the back for this year - Thanks again

S