When to Prune Azaleas in Virginia

Azaleas thrive under the canopy of large trees.

Azaleas are flowering shrubs, prized for the ornamental value they lend to the home landscape. They are easy to grow in Virginia and require little, if any, pruning.

Function

Azaleas provide privacy hedging, windbreaks and accent plantings. They prefer cool, shady locations so many Virginia gardeners choose them to add a pop of color to the shady corners of the garden.

Facts

Although azaleas don't require routine pruning, they will sometimes "loosen up," and begin to grow in an open fashion. To coax the plant back into a more dense growth habit requires pinching off new shoots as they grow. This should be done before July in Virginia to avoid pinching off next season's flowering buds

Warning

Azaleas are toxic to horses and other grazing animals. Although they aren't problematic for cats and dogs, it's a good idea to remove any pruning detritus from the planting bed after pinching the plant.

References

• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons
• "Landscape Management: Planting and Maintenance of Trees, Shrubs and Turfgrass"; James R. Feucht and Jack D. Butler; 1988