How do you prune azaleas in the spring?

I have a nice Azalea at the front of my house and I need to prune it, what is the best way to do it

  6 answers
  • Pamela Pamela on Apr 22, 2019

    After it blooms, cut back any dead or weakened stems Try to keep a nice shape as you trim back no more than a third of each branch. This should encourage new growth. A shot of good azalea food would help.

  • Diane Coverdale Diane Coverdale on Apr 22, 2019

    Don't prune until after it blooms.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Apr 22, 2019

    It would probably be best to prune it after it is done blossoming.

    An electric hedge trimmer gives you the even shaped look over a manual clipper.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Apr 22, 2019

    After they bloom cut flowers off

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Apr 22, 2019

    I don’t know where you live, but unless it’s close to Canada, it’s too late to prune it to the ground. Look at your azalea and first prune out obviously dead or broken branches. Then cut out the largest or longest three out of five branches. If that’s not enough thinning, then wait until the end of your summer heat. Cut out any branches that didn’t produce flowers or which were broken or died since now. That should be enough pruning for one year. If you think the bush should be thinner, then wait until just before winter and cut the whole plant back to the ground. Fertilize after winter, then let it grow back to good health. Best wishes!

  • Wanda Wanda on Apr 23, 2019

    Prune it after the blooms are spent. It will begin to come back quickly.