Care and Trimming of Azaleas
The azalea is a popular deciduous shrub with more than 10,000 registered varieties and cultivars, according to the Azalea Society of America. Certain Japanese varieties of the shrub also offer evergreen foliage. The azalea plants produce a wide array of blossom colors each spring. Does this Spark an idea?
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Growth Location
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Azaleas grow well in a cool location under the care of partial shade. The shrub grows best in acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0, according to Clemson University. The planting site must have well-draining soil because the azalea's shallow root system will not tolerate being waterlogged.
Types of Pruning
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Gardeners who wish to maintain their azaleas as a hedge can opt to head the plant's growth severely back by removing the top portion of the shrub so it stands only 6 to 12 inches above the soil line. Thinning the azalea is the simple act of pruning the shrub to allow air circulation and light to reach the midst of the plant by removing only dead or diseased branches.
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Considerations
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All pruning should take place in the early spring to encourage the azalea to produce ample new growth by midsummer. Unfortunately, plants that sustain severe head pruning will not produce blossoms that year. Shrubs that have only undergone simple thinning will still produce ample blossoms.
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