Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

What is the best time to prune azaleas?

1. Just after they bloom

2. In spring before leaves appear

3. When they are dormant

4. Just before they bloom

The correct answer is: Just after they bloom

Pruning azaleas just after they bloom is considered the best practice for several reasons. Azaleas typically flower in the spring, and by pruning them immediately after their blooms have faded, gardeners can shape the plants and encourage healthy growth. This timing allows the plant to focus its energy on developing new growth rather than on producing flowers, which will set the stage for a more robust display in the following season. Pruning at this time also minimizes the risk of cutting off flower buds that are developing for the next year's bloom. Azaleas produce their flower buds in the late summer or early fall, so if they are pruned before they bloom or during their dormant period, there is a higher chance of removing these buds, leading to fewer blooms in the next flowering season. This approach also aligns with the natural growth cycle of azaleas, fostering overall health and vibrancy in the shrub.