The best time to prune azaleas is immediately after they finish blooming, typically in late spring or early summer. Pruning right after the flowers fade allows the plant enough time during the summer to develop new growth and set buds for the next year's blooms. Most gardening experts recommend pruning within about three weeks after flowering, before the buds for the next season start to form, which is usually by the end of July or early August at the latest. Avoid pruning in the fall because azaleas set their new flower buds in late summer and fall. Cutting them back too late can remove these buds and reduce or eliminate blooms the following spring. For maintenance, you can thin or prune throughout the year to remove dead or damaged branches, but the main shaping and heavier pruning should be done right after bloom. This timing helps the plant stay healthy and ensures a good floral display next season. In summary:
- Prune immediately after flowering, within three weeks of flowers fading.
- Avoid pruning after late July to protect next year's buds.
- Prune dead or damaged wood anytime.
- Heavy shaping is best right after bloom, before summer ends.
