How to prune dwarf blue rhododendron

Immediately after flowering (spring). If deadheading, carefully remove spent flowers by hand above the nearest growth bud. Remove dead stems by tracing back to live wood and cutting cleanly. Do not shear or shape; the plant's compact form is natural and self-maintaining.

Rarely; deadhead annually if desired, otherwise leave undisturbed. Dwarf blue rhododendron (R. impeditum) is a small, very compact alpine shrub that genuinely needs almost no pruning. Its naturally tight, cushion-forming habit rarely gets unruly. Deadhead lightly after flowering if accessible, and remove any dead stems. Resist the urge to clip or shape — cutting into this species often leaves ugly bare patches.

If deadheading, carefully remove spent flowers by hand above the nearest growth bud. Remove dead stems by tracing back to live wood and cutting cleanly. Do not shear or shape; the plant's compact form is natural and self-maintaining.