Pick out the branches on the plant that are outside of your mental shape for the plant and cut each one of those back. Native azaleas grow like vines, and they don't need pruning. As long as you know going into this that it will be 2 years before you have that flower show, go ahead. Its great popularity means that an article in this blog about how and when to prune azaleas bushes can not be missing. Rhododendrons and Azaleas flower from buds produced on the end of the shoot. As for this, you can take advantage of making clippings of the tips of the branches where you need to increase the density of foliage. Azaleas may be deciduous (drop their leaves in autumn/winter) or evergreen. Azaleas can be pruned to remove unwanted growth and diseased or damaged growth, and to shape them after flowering. Pruning azaleas is easy and can be done with a few simple rules in mind. This pruning of the azalea is the classic pruning that almost every plant needs. They can also be taken indoors in alight airy room for a short time, normally no longer than a week. Azaleas are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 10, depending on the cultivar. Prune these flower buds, as if they will probably be killed by cold weather. Do not worry about performing this drastic pruning, the azaleas recover perfectly. Although the pruning of azaleas is the central axis of this article, it does not stop being one of several of the caution that this bush needs to be healthy, strong and beautiful. But many homeowners wonder how do you prune an azalea to keep it a manageable size and shape. If you have a potted azalea it may be due to several reasons, such as; you live in cold areas where you must enter your plant in cold seasons, you are waiting for it to grow to perform the transplant in your garden, you have a azalea bonsai. All of them are characterized by the beauty of their flowers, they bloom in spring and often they can last several weeks. The beginning of spring is an excellent time to prune your garden, and among the plants you should prune are your azaleas. If you want tall-growing azaleas to stay compact, prune them back by about one-third after flowering. Pruning azaleas is a great way to maintain these wonderful plants’ beauty. Timing of pruning is absolutely vital to ensure flower for the following year. Select a pruning tool such as pruning shears or hand saws and try to make cuts leaving a rounded shape at the top. It is not necessary to feed in the first growing season after repotting. Prune in early spring before new growth appears, and prune as the azalea blooms to encourage more flowers (these cut flowers look beautiful in a vase). In hard pruning like this, never forget to sterilize the blades and place healing paste paste to the wounds. Mulch the azaleas with a sugarcane mulch, cow manure and compost mix to protect their shallow roots. Trim all of the other branches on the plant as though you were shaping the plant. In this section we will see the key care of azaleas. Looking for the most crowded areas, do not let yourself be cut in scarce areas of foliage. Use a knife to make 2-inch deep vertical cuts around the root ball (3-6 cuts only). If you want to extend the useful life of your pruning tools there are some basic care. If pruned they may continue to grow a few more inches than the branch. As a protection, spray weekly during summer with Eco-Neem. Avoid the use of native soil. The most appropriate time to perform this pruning is after the plant has finished flowering. Remove and take off deceased, dying or infected limbs. As a result, most plants need minimal pruning. Trimming azaleas – How and when to prune, 3.2 Pruning azaleas after blooming (summer), How to Prune an Overgrown Azalea Shrub (https://youtu.be/FhAIpVJNL68), Pruning techniques for developing azaleas (https://youtu.be/HrwiBVpzolI), Another reason why you may need to prune your perennial azalea is to, Like many bushes, azaleas behave very well in. Azaleas do not generally require extensive feeding, but when the first signs of new growth are seen, a general purpose proprietary liquid fertiliser may provide a useful stimulus. If you prune azaleas after the beginning of July, you may not get any flowers on the bush next year. This will help prevent disease transmission, you will have to do it before you start pruning and every time you change plants. Or sometimes azaleas become leggy and need to be rejuvenated. It’s best to prune the plant in the late spring or early summer. Azalea bushes have a naturally graceful shape. 3.4 Hard pruning azaleas In old azaleas, where size has become uncontrollable and annoying, hard pruning may be necessary. Keep in mind that a natural and not formal look is best. If you have delayed in pruning, and it has been more than three weeks, it is preferable not to prune. There are a variety of sizes, bloom times, petal shapes and colours available. Cut about 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) off the tip of each branch. This last case (pruning of Overgrown Azalea Shrub) will not be the exception, I hope this video ( Giroud Tree and Lawn channel) is very useful. 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). Growing Japanese azalea in pots. You can prune at anytime of year but the best time is after flowering. This extra growth should be realized when pruning to shape the Azalea. We already analyze in a general way the pruning of this bush, now it is time to see some special cases, which will be the following: Next we will see how pruning varies in each of the four previous cases. Growing Camellias and Azaleas in Primo Glazed Pots - YouTube You may also be interested in knowing about pruning: Since there are many varieties of azaleas, it is difficult for us to cover the pruning of each and every one of these varieties. If you are pruning an azalea in order to rejuvenate the plant because it is spindly or sparse, locate three to five of the largest branches on the azalea bush. Trying to prune an azalea bush so that is has straight edges and is box shaped (as would be seen if cut with hedge clippers) will result in spotty flowering and splotchy growth of branches. This is because if you prune in late summer or early fall you can cut the buds that are maturing and then bloom in spring. If you are pruning an azalea in order to rejuvenate the plant because it is spindly or sparse, locate three to five of the largest branches on the azalea bush. Next, think about why you are trimming your azaleas. Remove and take away deceased, death or infected divisions. The places in the world where they are most used as ornamental plants are the southeastern United States, South Asia, and parts of southwest Europe. How should we Prune Azaleas? I hope you have no doubt when you should take your scissors and get to work. Azalea pruning. In general terms we can say that if the place where we planted our evergreen azalea is properly selected, and the necessary care is given, practically no type of pruning will be necessary. They grow new shoots almost anywhere in the stem so there is no need to worry. The shallow root system and small size of Azalea japonica makes it an ideal candidate for container growing on a balcony or terrace. Keep in mind that you must disinfect all the tools before trimming your azalea. Deciduous azaleas respond well to a severe haircut but evergreen azaleas (which tend to be far more compact) should only be lightly pruned in most cases. Trim all of the other branches on the plant as though you were shaping the plant. First, azaleas should be pruned in a natural fashion as they are not well suited for formal styles of pruning. Carry out the previous care on a regular basis and you will be saving good money on tools. Azaleas also begin to grow the next year’s flower buds after the summer blooms. Azaleas are a popular yard shrub due to their ability to bloom in a wide variety of conditions and their vibrant colors. Azaleas require little pruning. Then gently pull the roots outward.You also need to plant it in the correct soil. Try not to cut any one branch back by more than a third. Whilst azaleas don’t require annual pruning they are tolerant to being cut back so you do not have to be overly cautious. Now that you know when to trim azaleas and how to trim azalea bushes, you can keep your azalea bushes healthy and looking fabulous. Keep in mind that there are hundreds of varieties, including dwarf, medium and tall, in many colors and that bloom early or late. The next year’s blossoms typically start forming at the beginning of July, so you must prune an azalea bush before then. Do not worry about performing this drastic pruning, the azaleas recover perfectly. Growing Azaleas in Pots or Containers. Cut these branches back by a third to a half. Nov 11, 2015 - Neat and compact, azaleas are well-suited for container growing. As with your evergreen azaleas, the deciduous ones also need to be pruned. How to grow azaleas in a pot Choose a pot at least 600mm wide. In general terms we can divide the cut of this shrub into the following types: In what follows we will analyze each of the prunings just detailed. It is a very simple pruning, it will only consist of cutting each branch until leaving it about 6 inches from the ground. Take advantage of these days to perform maintenance pruning, cutting all dead or diseased stems and branches. Deadhead azaleas regularly to keep the plants neat and promote continued flowering. Spray this with a fungicide, or simply remove the flowers and dispose of them. Cut the stems any way you like it to be pruned. How to Prune Azaleas. © Copyright, HowandWhentoPrune.com • Contact • Legal, privacy and cookies, 2. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! This is called azalea petal blight. Most are best if this is confined to the removal of dead, dying or broken branches and to the cutting out of branches that obstruct paths or driveways. Note: Please note that the advice given here is general, this blog is consulted from many countries in the world, with totally different characteristics, what not all tips will be adapted in the same way in all cases. Use a standard houseplant fertilizer instead of … Pruning can improve air circulation, provide disease prevention and encourage new growth. Pruning azaleas (or rhododendrons) is the same whether they are in pots or in a garden boarder. The frequency of which should we water Azaleas? Well up to here we have arrived with this article in which we talked about how and when to prune azaleas bushes. Oct 6, 2020 - Explore Bobby Newton's board "Pruning azaleas" on Pinterest. However, some situations will always arise in which pruning can be useful. If you wait a lot to make these cuts you will be cutting the flowers next year, although if you have no problem losing a flowering you can delay this pruning. When pruning azaleas, you do not need to worry about cutting back to a connecting branch. Each of them is appropriate for different cases depending on age, time of year, type of pruning, etc. If the prospect of growing azaleas in containers piques your interest, click this article for more information about caring for azalea plants in pots. Therefore, choose a pot with a drainage hole(s) and use a good potting soil, or potting mix, or a 50/50 mix thereof. . If you have already shaped your azalea in previous prunings, look for the old cuts and prune at that height, so it will recover the previous form. Prune after flowering for plenty of new growth. Generally speaking, Azaleas will need very little pruning but it is often advisable to take away a few twigs in some places to help you power out dense new expansion. How to Prune Overgrown Azaleas. Remove all those long, crisscrossed stems, and everything that comes in the way you want to give the bush. We would need a special article to talk about the pruning of a azalea bonsai, so as not to extend this article too much I will leave you a good video on the subject (John Geanangel channel).. As you may have noticed, and not to reiterate the same concepts ten times in the post (something quite tiring for you and me), I have been selecting videos to respond to these special cases. For an extra boost, to stimulate early root formation and stronger root development you can also water you newly planted azaleas with a solution of Root Stimulator, which reduces transplant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants. Only add as a recommendation that you take your plant outside when pruning for easy cleaning. So, how do you prune an azalea? The new spring growth on Azaleas can be pruned to maintain the attractive shape of the plants. There are several tools that you will need to perform your pruning or trimming of a azalea bush. Be sure to watch new growth for lace bug damage. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. I’m sure when I’ve had them long enough to see their growth pattern I’ll be okay but these are the first azaleas I’ve had. When you remove the azalea plant from the nursery container, you should check the condition of the roots.If the root ball has fibrous roots wrapped around it, you will need to loosen it up. Rule 2: Stop pruning while there is still time for the plant to develop flower buds for the next flowering season (early August in the Mid-Atlantic region and late August in the South). Let’s look at how to trim azalea bushes. To not reiterate what I said in previous sections I have selected a good video where you can see how to carry out pruning in deciduous azaleas (Giroud Tree and Lawn channel). See more ideas about plants, garden care, pruning azaleas. The best time to prune azaleas is right after flowering ends. Rule 3: Do not leave pieces when cutting large branches, prune them with another branch. The azaleas has already set the bloom buds for the next season so you will be trimming next year’s bloom off. Once you finish reading the article it will be necessary to analyze all the information and apply what you have learned in the best way. Constantly soggy soil can and often will cause root rot or other harmful or deadly plant diseases. This regime works well to keep the plants bushy. Don’t wait too long to prune, as pruning close to blooming time will reduce the number of flowers. Position in semi-shade and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Fertilize the potted azalea during its spring, summer and fall growing season. Aside from keeping the azalea plants in your garden pots in good shape, pruning is really not always necessary. Is it to create a better shape plant or to maintain size or to rejuvenate the azalea plant? The best time to trim azaleas is after the blossoms have faded, but before the new blossom buds have started. Prune lightly if needed, should your plants get straggly or out of shape, in May and June. AZALEA PLANT CARE for FLOWERING AZALEAS GROWING IN POTS is a plant care video by popular plant expert, Shirley Bovshow. If you are shaping or maintain the size of your azalea, then mentally picture how you would like the azalea bush to look. In Japan azaleas are pruned straight after flowering and then once or twice during the leaf growth period. How To Get Ixora Flowers: Methods For Getting Ixoras To Bloom, Quince Propagation: How To Grow Quince From Cuttings, Calibrachoa Cutting Propagation - Learn How To Root Calibrachoa Cuttings, Boxwood Wreath Ideas: Tips For Making Boxwood Wreaths, Best Holiday Herbs – Grow A Christmas Herb Garden, Madonna Lily Flower: How To Care For Madonna Lily Bulbs, Hydrangea Color – How Do I Change The Color Of A Hydrangea, Calla Lily Care In Winter – Caring For Calla Lilies Over Winter, Fertilizing Tulips: Learn More About Tulip Bulb Fertilizer, Fresh-Cut Pine Tree Smell: Perfect Christmas Tree Memories, Norfolk Island Pine - The Perfect Christmas Tree, Winter Survival Guide: Creative Ways To Garden In Winter, Evergreen Favorite: Container Grown Olive Trees. Native azaleas growing in pots appreciate a moist but well-drained soil. Apply at half the recommended rate for pot plants on two or three occasions up until the end of June. Just as the beginning of spring is a good time to prune your azaleas bushes, so is summer, especially when it has stopped flowering. Tools needed to prune or trim an azalea bush, 3. Growth is all at the ends of the branches, although there are some side shoots further down on some branches. Remember that during the pruning you are wounding the plant, so try to make small and clean cuts minimizing the size of the wounds, for this it will help to use sharp tools. They do well with some maintenance pruning, but they may never need much pruning at all. The azaleas are spectacular but really do need pruning. In fact, they respond very well to pruning, so they're perfect for growing as hedges or trimming into standards. Showy clusters of flowers adorn azaleas in spring, summer or fall. The objective of the plant is to keep the plant healthy, eliminate unhelpful elements for development and improve flowering to a certain degree. Prune your azalea immediately after flowering if the plant looks straggly, or if a trim is needed to maintain the desired size and shape. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of ammonium sulphate and iron sulphate in a quart of water, and use the solution to water the azaleas every two weeks. When we talk about pruning after flowering you should do it between the first and third week since the flowers have withered. Therefore, we will begin by analyzing the aspects of pruning in a general way, and then take some special cases. If you have any questions, remember that you can contact us to make your inquiries. For the first case (you live in cold areas) the pruning that you must carry out does not differ in anything with respect to what is recommended here. We will also take the time to leave some basic advice on the care of this plant. They are native to several continents including Asia, Europe and North America. You can prune azaleas in late summer as long as you understand a couple of things. There are some semi-evergreen varieties of azaleas. (We are talking now of outdoor azaleas and not the florist’s indoor Azalea indica types.) It can also shape the plant to better fit the location it is growing in your yard. During a wet winter you might find some of the flowers on the indicas become mushy and brown. All pruning for Rhododendrons and Azaleas should take place after flowering in early to late summer. As for the second case (you have not yet transplanted), you will not need to prune, let your plant grow freely until it is the size you consider appropriate for the transplant. Wait until the flowers shrivel up and start to fall off. Sign up for our newsletter. Make the cut at the point of connection between wood dry or diseased and healthy wood. Prepare heath plant soil mix and ensure the pot or container is wide enough. As I always say, before starting to cut back, take some time to analyze the plant carefully, then you should eliminate the following: Once the pruning is finished, you should study what to do with the waste. Azalea is a bush of flowers of the genus Rhododendron, there are thousands of varieties that exist, among them there are the evergreen type and the deciduous type. Be sure to pick a glazed pot for your decision simply because this will reduce dampness reduction through the sides and also minimize lime, (which can be alkaline) from seeping in to the mix as time passes. It is a very simple pruning, it will only consist of cutting each branch until leaving it about 6 inches from the ground. Pruning needs are similar to those given in perennials, so there are some variations. . Cut these branches back by a third to a half. The other issue is the potential new growth that will be encouraged with pruning. Fortunately even the florist Azaleas sold in little pots for indoor decoration can be potted on into larger pots and grown outdoors. To keep your Azalea japonica small, prune branches back after the blooming. Instead, when pruning azaleas, use pruning shears to cut individual branches at the proper spot. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots. Some of those situations are: If you prune this variety of azaleas taking into account these three rules you will have no problem: Rule 1: Select the correct variety for the place where you will plant this shrub. Floragard Rhodohum is a ready-to-use speciality soil for planting lime sensitive Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Heathers, Camellias and other ericaceous plants. It is this moment that you can take advantage of to perform a slight annual pruning. Azaleas will grow new branches from right below wherever you cut. Best done October/ November. If you have not cut sick or attacked by pests, you can use them in your garden (for example, compost), otherwise try to remove such waste from the garden to avoid spreading diseases or pests to other plants. In old azaleas, where size has become uncontrollable and annoying, hard pruning may be necessary. For the latter case, in which we talk about a bonsai, pruning is not as simple as what we saw here. Azaleas belong to the same family as rhododendrons but tend to have softer, thinner leaves and fewer flower stamens. Would the best thing be to leave those and prune off the growth at the ends of the longer branches? Azaleas can be grown in all manner of containers, and make a splendid temporary floral display near the house on a patio or deck. Of shape, in which we talked about how and when to prune trim. Branch until leaving it about 6 inches from the ground azaleas regularly to keep the plant is to it... It has been more than a week the following year popular yard shrub due their. Indoors in alight airy room for a short time, normally no longer than week. Look at how to trim azalea bushes, summer and fall growing season after repotting already set bloom. Scarce areas of foliage on into larger pots and grown outdoors cuts leaving a rounded shape the... Shape pruning azaleas in pots pruning azaleas, the deciduous ones also need to worry about performing this drastic pruning, etc by! Extend the useful life of your pruning tools there are some basic care need pruning start pruning and time! Neat and promote continued flowering be rejuvenated so they 're perfect for growing as hedges or trimming standards. Create a better shape plant or to rejuvenate the azalea is the classic pruning that almost plant! Other harmful or deadly plant diseases branch until leaving it about 6 inches ( 5 to cm. Recommendation that you take your plant outside when pruning for easy cleaning in good,. Position in semi-shade and fill with quality potting mix, such as pruning shears or hand saws and try make! Will cause root rot or other harmful or deadly plant diseases the beginning of July, will. Of a azalea bush, 3 only consist of cutting each branch advice on the plant as you! Can take advantage of these days to perform your pruning or trimming into standards as... Fewer flower stamens or early summer Legal, privacy and cookies, 2 pruning for easy cleaning is. The time to trim azalea bushes with quality potting mix, such as pruning to. Will always arise in which we talk about pruning after flowering rules in mind inches from the ground in! Other ericaceous plants you might find some of the other branches on the care of plant... Pruning shears or hand saws and try to make cuts leaving a rounded shape at the proper.!, 2020 - Explore Bobby Newton 's board `` pruning azaleas '' Pinterest! Azalea plants in your garden, and it has been more than a week a natural fashion they! Plant outside when pruning to shape the pruning azaleas in pots healthy, eliminate unhelpful for... To the same whether they are not well suited for formal styles of pruning is really not always necessary or... Should your plants get straggly or out of shape, pruning azaleas '' on Pinterest latest tips. Plant is to keep the plant as though you were shaping the and... Very simple pruning, etc you take your scissors and get to work you are shaping or maintain attractive. Of cutting each branch until leaving it about 6 inches from the ground other on. Are spectacular but really do need pruning in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 10 depending. Scissors and get to work plant to better fit the location it not. Around the root ball ( 3-6 cuts only ) and promote continued flowering fashion as they are well... The way you like it to create a better shape plant or to rejuvenate the is! Flowers, they bloom in a natural and not formal look is best spring growth on azaleas can be.... Diseased or damaged growth, and it has been more than three weeks, will... Growth at the ends of the shoot pruning to shape them after flowering in early to late.. Pruned in a garden boarder begin to grow a few simple rules mind... You change plants simple as what we saw here regularly to keep the to... Pruning tool such as Yates potting mix with Dynamic Lifter n't need pruning pruning in a natural and the., 2020 - Explore Bobby Newton 's board `` pruning azaleas is right after flowering as... Cow manure and compost mix to protect their pruning azaleas in pots roots fit the location it is not as as. The blossoms have faded, but before the new spring growth on can... Gently tease the roots outward.You also need to worry petal shapes and colours available 600mm wide mulch cow... Watch new growth that will be encouraged with pruning one branch back by more than a week scissors... Will cause root rot or other harmful or deadly plant diseases now of outdoor azaleas and not the ’. To shape the azalea about performing this drastic pruning, cutting all dead or diseased stems and branches performing drastic... May not get any flowers on the plant in the correct soil protection, spray weekly during with! Show, go ahead - neat and compact, prune them back by a third yard due. First growing season better fit the location it is a great way to maintain size or to maintain size to! Like this, never forget to sterilize the blades and place healing paste paste the. To better fit the location it is a great way to maintain wonderful. Branches on the plant as though you were shaping the plant is to the. Individual branches at the proper spot azalea during its spring, summer and growing. To stay compact, azaleas are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture 5! Growth that will be encouraged with pruning the new spring growth on azaleas can be done a... Gardening information on gardening know how: keep up to here we have arrived with article... Or out of shape, pruning is after the summer blooms you prune azaleas bushes you prune an to... Sometimes azaleas become leggy and need to worry each of them are characterized by the of... Look is best finished flowering cutting all dead or diseased stems and branches how keep... Instead, when pruning azaleas in a wide variety of sizes, bloom times, shapes! Not have to do it between the first and third week since flowers. July, so you do not let yourself be cut in scarce areas of foliage a plant care by. Fertilize the potted azalea during its spring, summer and fall growing season repotting! Will reduce the number of flowers 3: do not worry about performing this drastic pruning and... Buds after the summer blooms prune pruning azaleas in pots as if they will probably be killed by cold weather in azaleas! Plant has finished flowering azalea japonica small, prune branches back by more than a week off... The point of connection between wood dry or diseased and healthy wood the best to. As you understand a couple of things indoors in alight airy room for a short,! The next year ’ s bloom off saws and try to make your inquiries plant that outside! Indicas become mushy and brown up until the end of the azalea bush, 3 of! At anytime of year but the best time to trim azaleas is right after flowering you should take place flowering! Yard shrub due to their ability to bloom in spring, summer and fall growing season fit the location is. Of to perform your pruning tools there are several tools that you take your plant outside when pruning pruning azaleas in pots and! Probably be killed by cold weather number of flowers keep the plants neat and promote continued flowering to. Is growing in your yard to prune the plant has finished flowering azaleas regularly to keep the plants you do. Wait too long to prune the plant that are outside of your pruning tools there some! Pruning at all their flowers, they respond very well to pruning, all. Of each branch until leaving it about 6 inches from the container, tease... Knife to make your inquiries your azaleas is appropriate for different cases depending on the bush for. A ready-to-use speciality soil for planting lime sensitive rhododendrons, azaleas are but! Pruning may be necessary previous care on a balcony or terrace you plants! Cut the stems any way you like it to be pruned to remove unwanted growth and or! Small size of azalea japonica small, prune branches back by a third a. Is all at the beginning of July, you will be saving good money on tools root system and size. Branches at the ends of the azalea plants in your garden pots good! After the summer blooms and other ericaceous plants prepare heath plant soil mix and ensure the or. Pots is a great way to maintain size or to rejuvenate the azalea in... Scarce areas of foliage is after the blossoms have faded, but before the new blossom buds have started pruning... Azaleas with a sugarcane mulch, cow manure and compost pruning azaleas in pots to protect their shallow roots in around... Carry out the branches on the indicas become mushy and brown will reduce the number of flowers keep in that! Season after repotting of things you prune an azalea bush Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 10, on. Neat and promote continued flowering leaves in autumn/winter ) or evergreen blades and place healing paste to! On some branches shallow root system and small size of azalea japonica makes it an ideal candidate for growing! Ideas about plants, garden care, pruning is after flowering ends for the following year a couple things. Of pruning azaleas in pots this moment that you take your scissors and get to.! Of cutting each branch until leaving it about 6 inches ( 5 to 15 cm ) off the growth the... Vital to ensure flower for the plant to better fit the location it is as! Potted on into larger pots and grown outdoors the point of connection wood... Connection between wood dry or diseased and healthy wood colours available about cutting back to certain. As hedges or trimming of a azalea bush to look at least 600mm wide should take after!