How to Prune Louisiana Azaleas
Azaleas are the most popular shrub in Louisiana. In fact, according to the LSU AgCenter, 7 percent of all plants grown in nurseries are azaleas. Typically a spring-bloomer, it's not uncommon to find Louisiana azaleas blooming in summer and fall, too. They can have significant flowering for six to eight months of the year. Pruning azaleas should only be done if necessary. However, doing so will improve their shape, size and health. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Use hand pruners to shorten or cut off certain azalea branches. Hedge clippers should not be used because they ruin the plant's natural shape.
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Evaluate Louisiana azaleas after they are done blooming to determine if they need pruning. The main reason for trimming them is to control the size. If so, a good time to prune is between April and May.
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Find the widest or tallest branches on the bush. Cut them with the hand pruners at a place that is inside the shrub's bulk to shorten them. When they re-sprout, the new growth will remain inside the Louisiana azalea, making it look fuller.
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Continue trimming off the tallest and widest branches until the plant is the desired size. Use this technique occasionally up until late June or early July.
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Remove broken, diseased or dead shoots as soon as you notice them. Nick them slightly with the hand pruners and if the flesh inside is brown, they are dead. Cut them off where they meet healthy branches.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear gloves when trimming Louisiana azaleas to protect yourself from cuts.
Don't prune with dirty cutters because they can spread disease among branches. Clean hand pruners with a sterilizing solution such as 10 percent Clorox solution or denatured alcohol.
