What is the best time to prune azaleas?

The best time to prune is at the end of your plants’ bloom cycle. Your azaleas and rhododendron will set their buds for next year by the end of August. To avoid cutting off next year’s blooms, trim your plant soon after the current blooms fade. For most of us, this will be now or in the next couple of weeks.

How far back can you prune azaleas?

Unlike shrubs that can be cut way back each year, Curtis says azaleas should be cut back a few branches at a time. “To fully rejuvenate older azaleas, cut one or two large branches back to between six inches or a foot from the ground per year.” she says.

How do you prune old leggy azaleas?

You can tell the oldest by their thickness and coloration. Cut the stems down where they start or as close to the ground as possible. That’ll produce new growth from the base of the plant and a nicely shaped plant. And always cut 1/4 to 1/2 inch away from the next lower branch, so as not to leave a stump.

Should azaleas be pruned?

When to Trim Azaleas. The best time to trim azaleas is after the blossoms have faded, but before the new blossom buds have started. The next year’s blossoms typically start forming at the beginning of July, so you must prune an azalea bush before then.

Why are my azaleas scraggly?

If the new growth is too leggy by season’s end, that could be a function of shade and/or the genetics of your particular variety. Soil nutrition also could be a factor, especially if the azaleas are getting too much nitrogen from a lawn being heavily fertilized around them.

Can you cut back overgrown azaleas?

When azaleas grow too big for their surroundings, they may need to be pruned drastically. You can cut overgrown plants down to about 1 foot in height. Then feed them with a slow-release, water-soluble fertilizer (12-6-6). Frequently water the plants you cut back to encourage a flush of suckers from the stumps.

How do you make azalea bushier?

To maintain a more compact appearance or simply to encourage bushier growth, trim azaleas after their blooming period has expired. Taking time to trim azaleas by cutting back the branches of these shrubs will also help renew overgrown plants.

What can I do with leggy azaleas?

Some azaleas and rhododendrons get leggy over time. If the plant is misshapen or too large, you can prune it drastically. Such a rejuvenation pruning should be done early in the spring, mid-March to early April, in the New York area (usually 2-3 weeks before new growth starts).

What is the lifespan of an azalea bush?

Azalea bushes can live for 50 years with proper care. Azaleas are a subgenus of flowering shrubs that can grow up to 6 feet in height and produce numerous large flowers in colors of pink, purple, red or white. They bloom during the spring and can be deciduous or evergreen, depending on the species.

How do you fix leggy shrubs?

Turn leggy, top-heavy shrubs into green beauties with some major pruning and patience. Multi-stemmed deciduous shrubs like privet, dogwood and alpine currant can tolerate severe pruning. Cut all of the stems back to several inches above ground level in late winter. The plants will send up multiple stems that summer.