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Rejuvenation of Azaleas and Rhododendrons

© Wesley Ford

Recently a reader wrote to ask for some guidance in pruning some overgrown azaleas. She described them as "some very neglected azaleas". A challenging task to be sure- not only the pruning but telling her how also, especially with no real clue on what they look like. So why not write a little primer on the subject.

Like any shrub or tree the pruning method you follow will depend upon the condition of the plant and your objectives. It doesn't hurt to do a quick but careful appraisal of your situation:

Plant appraisal:

1) Size of bushes? Are they too large? Are they about the right size for the site? Are they misshapen? Have they become "scraggly"( a term often used with large over grown shrubs)?

2) Is there any evidence of insect infestation or disease incidence? Dead wood?

3) Are they healthy with an appropriate color of green foliage? Is the bloom becoming sparse?

4) How long have plants been in this location?

Site Appraisal:

1) Are the plants growing in an appropriate environment? Enough Shade? Exposed to afternoon sun or drying winds?

2) Appropriate soil? Soil nutrition? Past fertilization activity? Soil moisture adequate? Irrigation when needed?

Owner appraisal- Objectives:

1) What type of pruning do you intend to do? (maintenance or rejuvenation)

2) Do plants need to be rejuvenated?

3) Do you wish to reduce size of plants?

4) Do you wish to simply maintain health and vigor of plants regardless of size?

These are all important questions to consider as the answers can give you guidance on how to proceed. For instance plants with sickly yellow foliage and a lot of dead stems may well have other problems that pruning won't solve. Pruning may be beneficial but probably won't solve the problem. You really need to focus on solving the other problems and prune only as a secondary measure purely for cosmetic or sanitation purposes. If we answered the above questions we should have some feel for problems or potential problems beyond pruning needs.

Objectives are important. As in my opening paragraph, the client gave me enough information to let me know that rejuvenation was the goal. The bushes are overgrown and straggly. They are too large and no longer attractive. She wishes to reduce size and improve appearance.

Rejuvenation- this can be a tall order for long neglected azaleas, but certainly achievable. Basically it comes down to a choice of two basic methods- gradual or drastic reduction. Both methods require patience- azaleas and rhododendrons are not known for setting the world on fire in growth rates. Badly over grown plants took some time getting there, and will take some time to get back into shape.