With shallow, fibrous root systems, rhododendrons and azaleas need ample water during the summer. Make sure and water them deeply. If they are planted under wide- eave overhangs, furnish water during the entire year. Avoid hoeing or raking too deeply around the plants. Use mulches such as sawdust, bark dust, peat moss, straw or other organic materials to inhibit weeds, provide more uniform soil temperatures and conserve moisture.
Rhododendrons require very little pruning unless the branches are dead, injured, crossed or rubbing.
But they can be rejuvenated by heavy pruning, if necessary. The best time to prune plants is soon after flowering to allow flower bud formation for the following year.