extreme cutting back rhododendron and azalea bushes

Question

I need to cut my rhododendron bush and my azalea bush back, as they are now touching my window. Also, they seem to have entwined. In this cold weather, would I able to replant them?

Answer 1

I would wait until the spring to cut them back. You would lose the bloom for that year, but it would not harm the plants. Pruning now could cause them to come out of dormancy, which means that they would not be able to handle the winter well, and winter damage could occur. Same goes for planting or moving them. Doing so this time of year can leave them vulnerable to winter damage.