Winter Care of Rhododendron
I have two Rhododendron plants I need to get ready for winter. I know that I have to cover them for winter but do I need to cut the plants back before doing that? If so, how far back?
Your rhododendrons have already formed their flower buds for next spring. Do not prune these until after they bloom next spring. And only prune after flowering if you need to shape or control the size of these plants. Shelter these and other broadleaf or sensitive evergreens from the winter wind and sun. Use a screen of burlap or lattice or a cylinder of hardware cloth sunk into the ground and then filled with evergreen boughs or straw after the ground freezes.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Jan. 28, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Past, Present & Future of Mitchell Park and its Conservatory, the Domes
Register here
Feb. 13 - 15, 2026
PBS Wisconsin
Garden & Green Living EXPO
Madison, WI
More information
Feb. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Plants that Go the Distance
Register here
Feb. 25, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Flowering Houseplants
Register here
Mar. 5, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Start New Plants from Seeds, Cuttings and More
Register here
Mar. 11, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Save Money & Boost Your Growing Success with Bare Root Plants
Register here
Mar. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Patio, Deck and Balcony Gardens
Register here
March 26, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Getting Started Growing Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here
April 1, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Growing a Bountiful Harvest
Register here
May 6, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Adding Native Plants
to Any Size Gardening Space
Register here
June 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Managing Your Landscape
with Pollinators in Mind
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More
Book an Appearance
Enter for the chance to win a Milwaukee Domes Alliance membership & merchandise!
ENTER NOW
