Do I Need To Dead Head Rhododendron Bushes In December?

Question

I’ve noticed the two bushes in the front garden still have the heads on them. Should they be dead-headed? We’ve never done in past, and they have flowered OK in late Spring

Answer 1

They tend to do better when you deadhead them. Usually, maintenance pruning will help the overall vigor of the shrub. This is done during dormancy. Just remove all of the dead flower clusters and dead growth overall.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/pruning-rhododendrons.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-care.htm