Rhododendron Is Blooming In October

Question From: S. Jacobs - Roseville, Michigan, United States
Q: Hi Nancy: you have help me in many projects. This one has me worried: my Rhododendron PJM started to bloom the middle of October. I've always had nice buds at the end of the summer months but they never opened. Its on the north side of the house, we wrap the plant with burlap every winter and sprayed it with "Wilt Stop", had a great display every spring. Will I lose it this winter? Do I clean up the spent flower like I do in spring? Thank you for your time.

A: Sadly your Rhodi is blooming out of season and will not have time to develop new flower buds by spring. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy