Best Time to #Prune #Azaleas? #pruning #howtoprune

Fall is usually an excellent time of the year to prune shrubs. Why? Because the cool weather is easy on the cut stems, and the plant has enough time to heal, harden and prepare for winter. However, for azaleas, Fall is not the perfect time to prune azaleas. Why? Because you risk removing next Spring’s buds. Azaleas set bud immediately after they bloom in the Spring. If you are willing to have fewer blossoms next Spring, go ahead and grab your pruning shears, such as Fiskars 25-33 Inch Power-Lever Extendable Hedge Shear (9169), clean them with soap and water, and prune away! While pruning, it’s a good time to inspect your azaleas for deer damage. If you notice nibbled-off branches, we recommend an excellent deer repellent such as Bobbex B550100 Concentrated Deer Repellent, 32-Ounce. Azaleas are acid-loving plants, so when fertilizing use an acid-rich fertilizer, such as Espoma HT8 Holly-Tone 4-3-4, 8 Pounds.

For beginner gardeners, the key to growing azaleas is the right amount of sun. Azaleas don’t like hot afternoon sun. They prefer morning sun, or direct sun filtered by an overhead tree. Azaleas also like to stay hydrated. If they are thirsty, their leaves begin to lighten and turn yellow. For “4 Ways to Know Your Plant Needs Water,” click here. For more on flowering shrubs, click here. 

#white #azaleas #azaleafestival #flower #gardenchat #gardendc #gardeningtime #gardening101 #gardeninspiration #floweroftheday #flowerpower #gardeningtime #itsgardeningtime

A photo posted by itsgardeningtime (@itsgardeningtime) on May 4, 2016 at 4:10pm PDT

#white #azaleas blooming! #azalea #azaleafestival #flowers #floweroftheday #flowerpower #garden #gardening #gardener #gardens #gardenparty #gardeninspiration #gardeningisfun #gardenisland A video posted by itsgardeningtime (@itsgardeningtime) on May 4, 2016 at 4:03pm PDT

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