(1) Picking: During the growth of rhododendron, when the new shoots grow to a certain length, the terminal buds need to be picked off. If the branches are too long, you can also bring a short bud. The purpose of enucleation is to control the height and promote the germination of lateral branches. After enucleation, many lateral branches will sprout between the axils of the top leaves, most of which are in a whorl state. When the germinated lateral branches grow to a certain height, the second coring can be carried out to germinate the secondary branches, so that the growth is continuous and the crown width is increased. Cultivated varieties, especially cuttings, are often pruned in this way to speed up their formation.

Rhododendron pruning

(2) Bud peeling: In order to make rhododendron grow more branches, the terminal buds need to be peeled off by hand when the buds grow to medium size in winter. When peeling, you need one hand to hold the top of the branch, and the other hand to hold the bud tip and break it to one side so as not to hurt the top branches and leaves. The amount of bud peeling depends on the specific situation of the tree. For plants with weak seedlings and trees, bud stripping is a protective measure, while for plants with normal growth, it is mainly to obtain more branches for reproduction.

(3) Bud wiping: During the growing period, the adventitious buds sprouted on the stems and branches should be wiped off at any time. Don't let it grow into branches, it consumes nutrients in vain. All cultivated varieties have sprouting at the base. If it is not erased in time, it will seriously disturb the tree shape, lead to the consumption of nutrients and weaken the original tree body. For the rootstock of grafted seedlings, the basal buds should be erased in time to ensure the normal growth of scions.

(4) Thinning: that is, cutting unnecessary branches from the base. The purpose of thinning branches is to concentrate nutrients, improve ventilation, enhance tree vigor and maintain the graceful posture of trees. The objects of thinning branches are: ① dead branches. Dead branches are unsightly, so check them at any time. If dead branches are found, they should be cut off immediately. ② diseased branches. That is, branches with poor growth caused by germs and pests. ③ Weak branches. That is, branches that are malnourished, short, weak and unable to form buds. This kind of branch is usually on the inside of the tree. If not trimmed, it will affect the ventilation of the crown, compete with the main body for nutrients, and affect the beauty of the tree. (4) sprouting branches. That is, the extra branches that grow from the base of the trunk, or they grow unintentionally during germination. If this branch is not cut off, it will seriously affect the growth of plants. ⑤ Long branches are in vain. That is, the upright branches drawn from the lower part of the trunk. This branch consumes the most nutrients, and all branches are cut off from the base except the branches regenerated and rejuvenated by it. 6 branches that are unsightly. Such as parallel branches, drooping branches, surrounding branches, cross branches, threaded branches, upright branches, reverse branches, etc. , all need to be cut off.

(5) Short cutting: cutting off some branches, mainly to control the height of trees. Because the buds of rhododendron are at the top of branches, short cutting will drop flowers, so short cutting should only be carried out in the growth period before flower bud differentiation.