How to Prune Native Azaleas

Azaleas are a member of the rhododendron family, and are common throughout the American south. These shrub-like plants are commonly placed around the perimeter of landscaping or adjacent to the home as hedging among flower gardens. The azalea usually blooms once a year, with some varieties holding a bloom longer than others. While pruning azaleas is not necessary, the plants can become very large and pruning or trimming can be effective when done appropriately. Pruning native azaleas should be done only once a year.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Hedge trimmer

Instructions

1. Prune the azalea bush immediately after the spring bloom. If the azalea bush is fairly large, use hedge trimmers to prune. Glide the hedge trimmer on top of the bush and down the sides, and only take off about an inch or two of growth from around the entire bush.

2. Cut longer "leggy" branches away from the plant using pruning shears. These limbs protrude higher off or out of the bush. Cut them off just above the desired hedge-line of your bush.

3. Trim the bottom of the bush by using pruning shears. The bottom typically will have longer "leggy" shoots protruding out. Cut these back to the hedge-line of your bush, ensuring an even trim all around.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not prune the azalea bush after July 1. The azalea will set buds in July to bloom for the next spring cycle, cutting them off after this date will ruin the next years bloom.

• Only cut back an inch or two of growth at a time, especially for young plants. Cutting off more than this can shock or stunt the azalea's growth

References

• Pruning Native Azaleas
• Azalea growing
• Azaleas