Learn how, why and when to prune azaleas, no matter what kind you have. Remove dead wood and damage or prune to shape the shrub.
There are many types of azaleas, but they are often divided into two major groups, deciduous and evergreen. Deciduous shrubs lose their leaves in the winter. Evergreens, of course, do not. There are many hybrids within each group. Some flower at different times of year than others. Azaleas are known for the variety of their blooms and the many colors available.
Gardening tips: How to prune azalea
The good news is that each of theses types of azalea follows the same rules of pruning as all the others. The bad news is that you will not be pruning all of them at the same time unless they are all the same kind.
It is a good idea to keep the pruning shears clean as you work. To prevent the spread of insects and diseases from one plant to the next, it is always good practice to clean the pruning shears. Dip the pruning shear blades in a solution of nine parts water and one part chlorine bleach between cuts. A convenient amount to make is 2 1/4 cups water with 1/4 cup bleach. Put it in a small pail or jar to carry with you. Alternately, you may wipe the pruning shear blades with rubbing alcohol between cuts.
Cuts are made cleanly and at a 45-degree angle to the stem. This allows water to run easily off that area of the stem and lessens the chances of disease entering the new wound. Each cut should be just above the place where a branch connects with the stem.
After pruning, be sure to clean up any plant litter. Azaleas are susceptible to fungal attack. Fungus often over-winters in plant litter. Remove dead wood from the site. Also, rake up the ground beneath the shrub to remove fallen leaves.
Azaleas do not need regular much pruning. Their growth rate is slow. A limited amount of new wood is added each year. Azaleas need no routine pruning.
It is certainly fine to deadhead (remove) spent flowers to encourage new leaf growth rather than growth of seeds. Just be careful not to cut too much off as you may destroy new growth. Deadhead azaleas by cutting the stem close to the flower. Deadheading is not mandatory, but a matter of choice.
If there is damage to the shrub, that damage may be pruned out at any time. Make cuts underneath each damaged area to replace jagged, torn bark with a clean cut. Dead, but uninjured wood is best removed in mid spring. In the case of deciduous azalea, it allows time for new growth to start so that dead wood can be spotted easily.
The only other need for pruning is when the shrub lacks symmetry. If a branch has grown so that it ruins the look of the shrub, it needs to be pruned. Do this type of pruning after the bush is done flowering, whenever that may be. Simply cut the offending branch back to a point where it again fits with the shape of the shrub.
That is all it takes! Keep pruning shears clean. Deadhead if you want to. Take off damaged wood anytime. Remove dead wood in mid spring. Prune for shape after the bush is done blooming. Most of all enjoy your beautiful shrub.
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