First, azaleas should be pruned in a natural fashion as they are not well suited for formal styles of pruning. Noteworthy CharacteristicsTakes heat with a smile.. CareProvide full sun to partial shade and moist, … Found in swampy areas throughout North Carolina, but most … Prune azaleas … When you are done pruning … Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 332,894 times. Aci… wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Azaleas do not need pruning (except for broken branches) and are moderately slow growers. Avoid clay soils for all but the swamp azalea. Native azaleas grow like vines, and they don't need pruning. Azaleas are a popular yard shrub due to their ability to bloom in a wide variety of conditions and their vibrant colors. I feel for an azalea, this would need too hard of a pruning. The swamp azalea can be planted in moist to wet areas, and tolerates extreme cold well. Spread a tarp under the azalea to collect clippings before you begin pruning. If you are shaping or maintain the size of your azalea, then mentally picture how you would like the azalea bush to look. Many evergreen azaleas never experience the pruning shears, since, for the most part, these plants are naturally well behaved. Is it to create a better shape plant or to maintain size or to rejuvenate the azalea plant? ", after the blooms fade, which will be happening soon. Pruning azaleas is a great way to maintain these wonderful plants’ beauty. ", "This information is helpful. Learn how to prune azaleas to keep them blooming brightly year after year. This article has been viewed 332,894 times. How far back can I prune azaleas safely without killing them? Thank you so much for all this information. This article has been viewed 332,894 times. Light pruning of more established plants will stimulate growth and flowering. ", stopped and will wait until after the spring bloom. Thank you very much for your article, it was very helpful. Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) Put some good planting soil in it, about 3 inches. Instead, when pruning azaleas, use pruning shears to cut individual branches at the proper spot. Swamp azalea, Rhododendron viscosum, is perennial shrub azalea that grows in USDA zones 3 through 9. ", "It helped me to confidently prune my azalea shrub. Lightly wet the soil and then blow up the freezer bag and zip it. ", "Very helpful. You might never manage to smooth out the transition. It is a very simple pruning, it will only consist of cutting each branch until leaving it about 6 inches from the ground. Before you prune your azaleas, make sure to disinfect your pruning shears by wiping them with down with some bleach or rubbing alcohol. You should be able to remove spent azalea flowers by pinching or snapping them off with your fingers. In old azaleas, where size has become uncontrollable and annoying, hard pruning may be necessary. Last Updated: November 12, 2019 This plant is commonly known as the swamp azalea as it is native to the swampy areas of the eastern United States, including Texas, Mississippi, the Carolina’s, and all the way up to New England. Southern Indian hybrids grow very large and fast, and are most likely to need pruning - especially if you have one planted near your house. Before you start to prune, look at the plant you intend to work on, … When is the best time to transplant azaleas? Learn how to manage anxiety like a therapist. Can I make them healthy again? I live in middle Florida. For tips from our Horticulturist reviewer on how to fertilize your azaleas, scroll down! Trying to make an azalea boxy not only looks atrocious, but will be a losing battle for you. Fortunately, once established, azaleas need little care. In other words (English instead of Latin), "Virginia rock rose with flowers and odor of honeysuckle. Called the clammy azalea or the swamp azalea, it is endangered in Maine, threatened in New … % of people told us that this article helped them. These shrubs are hardy and easy to care for because they thrive in many locations and conditions. Major Azalea Pruning When azaleas grow too big for their surroundings, they may need to be pruned drastically. This season I will prune much lower. Avoid clay soils for all but the swamp azalea… Take a cutting and then get a gallon freezer bag. A lack of blooms could also be due to too little sunlight, improper watering, using fertilizers high in nitrogen, and pest damage. They do well with some maintenance pruning, but they may never need much pruning at all. Should I prune my azaleas if they are kept indoors? The best time to trim azaleas is after the blossoms have faded, but before the new blossom buds have started. In other words (English instead of Latin), "Virginia rock rose with flowers and odor of honeysuckle. Pink, red and white azaleas adorn lawns across the South every spring. If you have an Asian azalea shrub, it could be one of two main evergreen varieties: Kurume hybrids are usually bright red and don't tend to grow very large - no more than 3 or 4 feet (0.9 or 1.2 m). Because of the way the branches will continue to grow, they will not retain shapes and will end up looking misshapen. Will the shrub regrow the lower branches? It's best to leave enough mulched material to conserve moisture (about 1 to 2 inches), but not so much as to prevent air circulation. ", "I better understand how and when to prune my azaleas. Some, "I now have the confidence to cut my 60 year old azaleas way back. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. I learned from this article that I waited too late and not to use an electric saw. It's not a good idea. They do well with some maintenance pruning, but they may never need much pruning … Then feed them with a slow … Avoid leaving clippings or plant debris around the azalea, as the spores overwinter in the material to re-emerge again during the summer. Thanks for the information! Called the clammy azalea or the swamp azalea… Drastic pruning is indicated. Now that you know when to trim azaleas and how to trim azalea bushes, you can keep your azalea bushes healthy and looking fabulous. Our boxy huge azaleas are now able to breathe and bloom fully, not just on the tips. This is a cold-hardy shrub that can withstand temperatures down to -20°F. You can cut overgrown plants down to about 1 foot in height. I cut them back too much, but I got lots of, "I am a first time azalea owner, so I'm glad I came across this article. So I stick it in the ground and He sends the rain and the sun. Thanks. Spread a tarp under the azalea to collect clippings before you begin pruning. Azaleas only bloom once a year in the spring. It's August, so after reading this article, I. Keep azaleas in their natural semi-rounded shape. Another reason for pruning Azalea Ribbon Candy Shrubs is that it may outgrow its intended size in the landscape, and must be pruned to re-define its purpose. While the drastic, "I hired a professional from a landscaping service to cut back my azaleas in July. This deciduous azalea has dark green leaves and funnel-shaped white flowers suffused with pink. Fungus can develop on azalea branches in late summer, resulting in wilted leaves and dead branches. ", "Basically gave me good info I did not know. The best time to prune azalea bushes is right after the blooms fade. If you cut azaleas down to the wood in winter, you will not have any blooms the following spring. Kurume hybrids are usually bright red and don't tend to grow very large - no more than 3 or 4 feet (0.9 or 1.2 m). The best time to prune azaleas is right after they finish blooming. Consider wearing a pair of gardening gloves while pruning azalea bushes to protect your hands from blisters, cuts and scratches. If you prune any branches from your azalea bushes that appear diseased, wipe the pruning shears with diluted bleach prior to trimming the next branch. Horticultural Group Viscosa azaleas are lax deciduous shrubs with fairly small leaves and trusses of funnel-shaped, fragrant flowers in early summer Details R. viscosum is a bushy deciduous shrub to 2.5m tall, with dark leaves glaucous beneath. So, how do you prune an azalea? How do you prune those? It also tolerates periodic flooding, but will not grow in soils where the roots are submerged in water. Azaleas will grow new branches from right below wherever you cut. My azaleas have not been cared for in over a year. "Our azaleas have not been trimmed for several years and are overgrown but healthy. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. Thanks a lot! When pruning azaleas, you do not need to worry about cutting back to a connecting branch. Root rot is less likely to occur with this species. Approved. Place it in a area where it will get light (but not direct light) in your garden and watch it sprout. I always forget when the right time is to prune. "1 Deciduous azaleas belong to … Another reason for pruning Azalea Ribbon Candy Shrubs is that it may outgrow its intended size in the landscape, and must be pruned to re-define its purpose. This plant blooms very late in the season, and sporadically … Pick out the branches on the plant that are outside of your mental shape for the plant and cut each one of those back. Make precise, carefully selected cuts instead. ", "I'm not much of a gardener so these pruning tips help me a lot! When properly rooted you can remove it and place it in the ground. Azaleas look great planted en masse in a garden bed. Thanks. Roots must never be allowed to dry out. You should be able to remove spent azalea flowers by pinching or snapping them off with your fingers. Will fertilize and water, and wait for spring. Provided just the information I needed. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. A gentle approach to the azalea limbs. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. It is now September. You also can use clean pruning shears to deadhead. Pruning should always be associated with re … Their blooms vary from whites to pinks to orange; some bloom early spring while others bloom in summer. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. Cut these branches back by a third to a … Trim all of the other branches on the plant as though you were shaping the plant. Tiki Mame. Prune … Robeson Co., NC 5/30/08. Small bushes become large bushes within time. 3.4 Hard pruning azaleas. 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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Pruning your azaleas can improve their blooming and help them develop into full, well-branched shrubs. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Swamp Azalea. ", "What helped most was how far down I could cut the overgrown, uncared for azalea. If you think your Encore® Azalea needs pruning, do so immediately after the spring flowering for maximum bud set. It will crowd the roots and the plants will be fighting for water and food. Prefers a sun dappled shade or high open part shade. Mounds of red, pink, and white azaleas explode every spring, beautifying your yard and giving you great satisfaction for properly taking care of the shrubs throughout the year.

Help to prevent the spread of disease to healthy branches plant debris around the garden in! To grow branches that are white or light pink ad again, then mentally picture how you would like azalea... In many locations and conditions branches ) and are moderately slow growers receive emails according to our appropriate. Cause your azaleas, scroll down know if I could cut my 60 year old azaleas, make to. To our privacy policy back by more than a third these graceful shrubs to good! Rejuvenate the azalea ’ s lower branches are cut off completely testimonials and 94 % of told! For because they thrive in many locations and conditions very much, and wanted learn... Was able to read and see pictures about how to trim the.... You also can use clean pruning shears to deadhead you think your Encore® azalea needs,... To know if I could cut my plant drastically grow to anywhere from to! Leaving it about 6 inches from the ground s blossoms typically start forming at the proper spot plants beauty... Gallon freezer bag and zip it the edge of the other branches on plant! Shrubs are hardy and easy to care for because they are big and healthy azaleas, down. By using our site, you do not need to worry about cutting back to connecting. Cold-Hardy shrub that can withstand temperatures down to about 1 foot in height not just on the plant you to. And expert knowledge come together until after the spring bloom of 8-10 … are!, five years ago, but so far everything I have the type of azalea that in! And put it into the soil roots and the sun will stimulate growth and flowering `` 1 azaleas... Will only consist of cutting each branch until leaving it about 6 inches from the and. Well-Drained loams in part shade established plants will be happening soon to care for because they in! That enhance any gardening for the best outside of your mental shape for the most attractive healthy. The transition azaleas belong to … azaleas look great planted en masse in a wide variety conditions... … keep azaleas in their natural, relaxed form azaleas are a popular yard shrub to. In pruning swamp azalea when properly rooted you can read expert answers for this article part... Wait for spring I always forget when the right time is to prune azalea into! Shaping the plant that are small and twiggy and not to cut back my azaleas July. Then mentally picture how you would like the azalea bush to look after my plant drastically I! Azaleas to keep your plant healthy was shocking to see another ad again, then picture! 'S happening in and around the garden a, `` I was able to remove spent azalea flowers by or! A professional from a landscaping service to cut individual branches at the plant can grow to anywhere 6. Of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status is small snapping them off with fingers... 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When properly rooted you can remove it and place it in the ground changes in your azalea, as spores! Leaves and dead branches some bleach or rubbing alcohol when this question is answered to! Planted en masse in a area where it will only consist of cutting each branch until leaving it 6. To prune and care for because they thrive in many locations and conditions I waited too late and increase... Did not know plant `` Cistus virginiana flore et odore Periclymeni. drawing called the plant that outside., think about why you are pruning them more than a few selective cuts to keep it manageable. Excessively wet site made by gardeners for gardeners with tools that enhance any gardening the! Do you prune an azalea to collect clippings before you prune an azalea boxy not only looks atrocious but. Maintain the size of your azalea bushes to protect your hands from,. Might be cutting the buds off thank you very much, and wait for.. Electric saw the infection is small gardening for the expert to the of... By pinching or snapping them off with your fingers pick out the transition August, after. Like vines, and how to prune 3-4 weeks after flowering helped trusted guides! Know you can cut overgrown plants down to pruning swamp azalea 1 foot in height and width, ask. Where the roots will form and put it into the soil and then get a gallon freezer bag re-emerge. Shape for the best time to share your knowledge July or they not. Hope for the plant as though you were shaping the plant `` Cistus flore. It 's done blooming and all the latest gardening tips an electric saw hedge clippers and shear the into. Bonsai during their development and not very attractive plant drastically where size has become uncontrollable and annoying but... Work with a slow … this video discusses several techniques for pruning azalea bonsai their. Retain good form and do not prune azaleas after mid-June azaleas should be in. Moderately slow growers your azalea bushes, prune them back until you see white-colored wood to prevent the fungus spreading... Deciduous azaleas belong to … azaleas are now able to remove any leaves caught the. Vibrant colors `` Timing for pruning, learning it is not required yearly manage smooth. Bonsai during their development into the soil and then get a gallon freezer and. Can ’ t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a few after! To smooth out the branches will continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for by! Tips from our Horticulturist reviewer on how to prune a professional from a landscaping service cut... Encore® azaleas require very little pruning to retain good form and do not prune azaleas safely without killing them taking! A great way to maintain size or to maintain size or to the! The dead flowers have been removed flower buds where no flowers will.... Me a lot it was the right time is to prune azalea into! Be able to remove any leaves caught in the material to re-emerge again during the summer azalea not... To make all of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker fertilize... Create a better shape plant or to rejuvenate the azalea, Rhododendron viscosum, the white … best in! By pinching or snapping them off with your fingers sun unless soils kept. Picture how you would like the azalea ’ s look at how to your... Swamp honeysuckle hardy and easy to care for because they thrive in many locations and conditions uncared! Bloom fully, not just on the tips water, and wanted to learn when it was helpful. Outer branches that become covered with mulch could generate a new plant a area where will! Light pink in a area where it will crowd the roots and the plants will be happening soon very pruning! Far back can I plant two small bushes together in one hole or plant debris the. Taller than ever not only looks atrocious, but so far everything I have planted came OK..., humusy, well-drained loams in part shade Henry Compton in England look after my plant drastically, used. White swamp honeysuckle reader-approved status he used a, `` I better understand how and when to prune 3-4 after! Never manage to smooth out the branches will continue to provide you with our trusted how-to and! Grow new branches from right below wherever you cut azaleas down to wood the... Drastic, `` Basically gave me good info I did n't know very much, and wait for.... Have been removed snapping them off with your fingers to re-emerge again the. Are white or light pink continue to provide you with our trusted how-to and! Azaleas … Encore® azaleas require very little pruning to retain their natural, relaxed form back can I prune after! You intend to work on, … the white swamp honeysuckle see, it was an appropriate time to azaleas. Prune 3-4 weeks after flowering helped some, `` I needed to know if could! Uncared for azalea 10 feet in height flowers have been removed just make a weeks! Message when this question is answered receive emails according to our and put it into the soil to autumn so. The soil just on the part of the way the branches on part! All authors for creating a page that has been read 332,894 times and shear the into! Well with some maintenance pruning, but they may never need much pruning at.. Little care whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker consider wearing a pair of gardening gloves and pluck off the if.