This article will show you how and when to prune azaleas correctly for an attractive look within your compound.
Azaleas are probably the best looking flowering shrubs you can find, especially in spring bloom. They come in so many colors and are easy to care for. Azaleas can be grown in almost any garden setting. They add a nice touch of color and interest to plain areas.
Azaleas in front of your house or your backyard when in full bloom will look lovely and glorious. But how will you achieve this? The answer to this question is pruning. Without pruning your azaleas, they will overgrow looking like blobs. This will not be a sight that will appeal to the visitors that are visiting your home. However, this pruning should be done at the right time to maintain the plants’ health.
Growing Azalea Shrubs
Before we get to know when and how to prune azaleas shrubs, we must know how they are grown. When growing azalea shrubs, there are two classes, namely; Asian azaleas and native azaleas. Native azaleas never require the pruning process; therefore, this article does focus on this class. Their blooms have a captivating fragrance having long stamens and are deciduous as well.
Asian azaleas, on the other hand, are the ones that are ever-green, and they are planted by almost everyone. They are native to Japan. They are further divided into two groups; the Kurume hybrids and the Southern Indian hybrids. The Kurume hybrids grow to a maximum of 4 feet high, and their time for blooming is short. Additionally, their flowers all but hide their foliage. Talking about the Southern Indian hybrids, their maximum height is twice that of Kurume hybrids. They also grow faster than the Kurume hybrids, and in about a week or two after planting, they will start to bloom.
When planting the shrubs, it should be done in spring, and the site of planting should be lightly shaded and cool. Direct sunlight destroys the foliage, and too much shade can divest the azalea shrubs the necessary oxygen needed for proper blooming and healthy growth. Therefore, you need to maintain the conditions just right for your shrubs, not too much shade, and no sunlight at all.
The soil conditions should also be appropriate for growing azalea shrubs. They have shallow roots; therefore, the soil should adequately be drained as well as maintain the proper acidity levels. In areas that are poorly drained, the azalea shrubs should be grown in raised beds. Containers can also work in growing these shrubs.
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The Required Proper Care for Azalea Shrubs
Choosing the appropriate planting location as well as care is crucial for the care of azalea shrubs. This will ensure that they look healthy since these shrubs look the most good-looking when they are planted on their own. In large areas, however, mass plantings succeed in outsized areas, including wooded sites.
The flowers of the azalea shrubs include it wholly, which places them in a backdropof conifers, which will aid in setting off their colors at the same time, reducing their considerable effect.
When is the Right Time to Prune Azalea Shrubs
The most crucial factor when it comes to the pruning process is timing. If you want to prune azalea shrubs, you must do it right if you want your shrubs to bloom the following year. So when to prune azaleas? Well, this should be done within three weeks following blooming completion in spring. Doing this will give the azalea shrubs enough grace period to produce flower buds for the coming year. In the event you prune azalea shrubs in the summer or fall, you will end up cutting off the flower buds, which will guarantee green blobs of your azalea shrubsin the coming spring.
Now that you know the right time to prune your azalea shrubs, do you know how to prune them? If not, there is no need to worry. When you prune azalea shrubs, you need to note that the use of hedge trimmers does not apply, and you should avoid using them. Using hedge trimmers will result in azalea shrubs that look dreadful and will result in leaves as well as flowers existing on the shrubs’ outer inch.
What you require are hand pruners since they will do an excellent job in pruning your shrubs. You need to reach inside the azalea shrub and trim back branches somewhat various lengths to come up with cloudy-shaped and pilingshrub. For the thick branches, you can use loppers. The growth of Kurume hybrids is much slower and may require pruning after about 5 years. Southern Indian hybrids grow at a faster rate, and pruning can be done annually; it all depends on where these shrubs are planted.
Conclusion
When growing azalea shrubs, there are two classes, which are Asian azaleas and native azaleas. Choosing the appropriate planting location as well as care is crucial for the care of azalea shrubs. When planting the shrubs, it should be done in spring, and the site of planting should be lightly shaded and cool. The soil conditions should also be appropriate for growing azalea shrubs since they have shallow roots. The most crucial factor when it comes to the pruning process is timing.
If you want to prune azalea shrubs, it is essential that you do it right if you want your shrubs to bloom the following year. When you prune azalea shrubs, you need to note that the use of hedge trimmers does not apply, and you should avoid using them. What you require are hand pruners since they will do an excellent job in pruning your shrubs. Now you have the answer on when to prune azaleas as this article has provided the primary guide for you to ensure you azaleas appear perfect all the time and having an attractive look. Ensure you follow these steps for extraordinary results.
Read my post on how to grow Blueberries in your backyard.
