Pruning Azaleas
If there is one shrub that puts on the most dramatic show it would have to be an azalea. The brilliant spring color of these beauties is one of mother nature's finest moments. Azaleas are part of the Rhododendron family and are native to Asia. In our Virginia gardens they prefer shade to sun and water to drought. They have a fibrous shallow root system that makes them easy to transplant, but that also means they need more frequent watering to be in prime condition. They should be fertilized at least once a year right after the bloom is finished with an acid lovers fertilizer. If pruning is needed, it should be done after it blooms, but no later than July 1. After that, it is forming next spring's buds. If you prune it after July 1, you will be cutting off next year's flowers. So how do you prune an azalea?
First ask yourself, why am I pruning this plant. Are you trying to shape the plant, reduce the size of the plant, or rejuvenate the plant. Azaleas should be pruned in an informal fashion. They do not lend themselves to a formal "hedge" trimmed look. If you do shear an azalea into a round mound, a box, or any other topiary shape it will result in spotty bloom and irregular growth of branches. Never use hedge shears to prune azaleas. Pruning shears should be used to cut individual branches. If you are pruning to reduce the size, make a mental picture of what you want the plant to look like and then make your branch selections to cut. Do not cut back any branch more than 1/3. When pruning azaleas, you do not need to cut back to the nearest crotch because, unlike most plants, they have the unique ability to put out new branches all along the stem.
Rejuvenation pruning can be done by cutting back three of the biggest branches by up to 1/2. Cut all the other branches to shape the plant. As the plant begins to rejuvenate itself you can cut more branches down to 1/2. Just never rejuvenate more than 3 branches at a time. Dead branches can be removed any time of year.
If you have a shady or partially shaded yard, you should try azaleas. With a minimum of care, they can provide years of pleasure to your spring yard.
