Growing and Pruning Guide Azalea

Evergreen azaleas are compact shrubs that can produce an extraordinary display of flowers in spring. Their blooms range from white and pink through to red and purple, and some cultivars may flower again in autumn.

Their evergreen foliage means they continue providing structure after the flowers have faded.

Where to plant Evergreen Azaleas

Plant them in partial shade, preferably somewhere protected from strong afternoonsunshine and drying winds.

Azaleas need acidic soil rich in organic matter. On alkaline or chalky ground, containers or raised beds filled with ericaceous compost are often preferable.

How to care for Azaleas

Keep the roots consistently moist, especially during spring and summer.

Rainwater is often preferable where available, particularly in areas with hard tap water.

Mulch with pine bark, leaf mould or another suitable acidic organic material.

Feed with an ericaceous fertiliser after flowering.

Avoid cultivating deeply around the plant because azaleas have relatively shallow root systems.

When to prune

Prune immediately after flowering, usually in late spring or early summer.

This gives the plant time to produce new growth before it begins developing the following year’s flower buds.

How to prune

Remove dead or damaged branches first.

Then remove particularly long or misplaced shoots to maintain a compact shape. If necessary, thin a congested plant by removing selected older branches completely.

Avoid routinely shearing azaleas into formal shapes unless that is specifically the look you want.

For rejuvenation, older established plants can sometimes tolerate harder pruning, but severe pruning should be undertaken cautiously and preferably in stages.