Azaleas belong to the genus Rhododendron. They are popular ornamental perennials that impress with their exceptional flowering times. The cuts required vary depending on the shrub and variety. Outdoor plants are treated differently than ornamental shrubs that thrive in containers.
How do you cut an indoor azalea correctly?
To cut an indoor azalea, remove spent shoots about half a centimeter below the flower base with clean scissors. By removing wilted flowers, you encourage the formation of new buds and prevent rot.
The ideal time
The flowering period of indoor azaleas extends from January to March, while outdoor azaleas bloom in May. Pruning is recommended for indoor plants in spring, as soon as the bushes have bloomed. If you delay these care measures for too long, you will remove the newly formed flower heads at the same time. As a result, you have to accept reduced flower formation. Specimens growing in the garden are shortened shortly before the leaves emerge.
Cleaning indoor azaleas
Although light topiary cuts are possible, pruning for indoor plants is reduced to cleaning out dead shoots. Wilting flowers are pinched off with your finger or cut off with scissors. Cut the shoots about half a centimeter below the flower base.
This way you encourage the development of new flower buds. They prevent the development of rot because the falling petals do not get caught between the leaves. If fruit heads have developed, you should also remove them in good time. Seed development costs the plant a lot of energy.
Cutting outdoor azaleas
Regular cuts ensure that the bushes branch well in the lower area and develop a bushy shape. It makes sense to prune for the first time immediately after planting. In the following years, pruning is recommended to maintain the shape of the azaleas. With increasing age, the crown thickens and the ability of the ornamental shrubs to bloom is reduced, so rejuvenating pruning measures are recommended.
Basic Rules:
- cut with a sharp and clean knife
- make sure to make a smooth cut so as not to squeeze the tissue
- Always cut branches above a bud
First cut
Remove all dead branches and shoots that have brown and infected areas, directly at the base. Specimens that grow sideways and cross each other disrupt the overall picture and are allowed to go. Shorten the entire young plant by a third.
Conservation cut
Break wilted flowers regularly with your finger. After flowering, cut individual old shoots so that they are directed to stronger and deeper branches.
Rejuvenation cut
The plants tolerate radical cuts well. Reduce all shoots to a final size of 50 to 60 centimeters and spare young shoots. Further thinning will take place in late summer or next spring after the bushes have sprouted again.
Tip
Intensive thinning is recommended every three to four years after flowering in early summer, while evergreen garden azaleas are cut in spring.
Special features
Evergreen species can be cut back to the old wood if the crown develops patchy or one-sided. Intensive intervention results in the trees sprouting heavily.
