The shaping, pruning and flowering period control of Rhododendron waxleaf

Pruning and shaping

The growth ability of Rhododendron waxleaf is very strong, so it is necessary to pay attention to timely pruning to maintain the overall beautiful shape.

During the seedling stage, the main work is pinching and pruning. The heart buds of the current year's branches should be removed when they grow to about five centimeters long. In this way, two or three new buds will sprout at the top of each new branch. Insisting on pinching the heart buds will help the plant increase its branches, making its branches and leaves more luxuriant and the crown more three-dimensional.

The flower buds that grow during the seedling stage should also be removed immediately to reduce the consumption of nutrients and effectively promote the growth of branches and leaves.

When the branches grow too densely during the growing season, the overly dense twigs, broken branches and weak branches inside the crown should be pruned off as soon as possible to improve the ventilation and light permeability of the crown and promote good development.

Established plants should be pruned after flowering or before wintering in autumn each year. Pruning at this time should cut off the newly grown tender branches. These branches will hinder the overall growth of the plant and waste a lot of nutrients, so they should be cut off in time, and at the same time, the overly dense weak and diseased branches in the crown should be pruned to help increase the quantity and quality of flowering.

When the growth of adult plants slows down and begins to decline, the entire plant needs to be pruned. Pruning at this time is to save nutrients, provide sufficient nutrients to the branches and trunks to maintain growth, and stimulate the growth of new branches.

Flowering control

The flowering period of Rhododendron waxleaf can be controlled by adjusting the temperature.

If you want to make the flowering period come early, you can place the azalea in a warm environment with an average temperature of about 20-25℃. Remember to sprinkle water on the azalea plants frequently to keep the leaves moist. The air humidity should be controlled above 80%. In about forty to fifty days, the waxleaf azalea can bloom early.

If you want to delay its flowering, you can control the ambient temperature at 2-4℃ after the buds of Rhododendron waxleaf sprout, reduce the supply of water, and wait until the soil is dry before watering. This can delay the opening of the flowers. If you want it to bloom, just gradually move the plant to a normal temperature environment suitable for flowering half a month in advance.