skip to main content

Azalea & Rhododendron

How far back can I prune my azaleas?

14 years ago

There are azalea bushes along the entire front of my house. They are beautiful, but have gotten huge. They are about 6 feet tall now and have over taken the front of the house to the point it just doesn't look that good anymore. The plants are at least 10 years old. I want to prune them way back, but if I cut so much as 6-8 inches off I am left with nothing but sticks. There are only leaves on the outer edges of all the plants. Is this normal for azaleas? If I prune them back to just 4 feet will they come back ok even though they will be left with only branches? I know I should have pruned them earlier, but if I prune them now will I have a chance at any blooms next year?

Comment (1)

morz8 - Washington Coast
14 years ago
Your chance for blooms next year pruning now may be dependent on your weather this season...If you don't wait any longer I think you at least have a chance for buds to set in late summer in what must be a Z8 climate (?).

If your azaleas are healthy you can cut them back to the desired 4' or even lower - unlike large leafed rhododendrons, azaleas have dormant buds all along their stems just under the bark and will sprout from immediately below any cut you make. If they are too tall at 6' and 4' is ideal, you may want to cut them back even lower - or be faced with another major pruning job in a few short years.
Related Professionals
Danbury Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Tempe Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · 70037 Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Kenmore Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Waunakee Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Wakefield Landscape Contractors · Elkridge Landscape Contractors · Framingham Landscape Contractors · Mercedes Landscape Contractors · Peoria Landscape Contractors · Pleasant Prairie Landscape Contractors · Smyrna Landscape Contractors · Tehachapi Landscape Contractors · Wells Landscape Contractors · Maple Heights Landscape Contractors

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

WINTER GARDENING Pruning Secrets for Exquisite Roses

By Annie Thornton

Encourage gorgeous blooms year after year with this time-tested advice on how to prune your rosebush in winter for health and shape

GARDENING GUIDES How to Prune Your Flowering Shrubs for the Best Blooms

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Less is often more when it comes to properly pruning flowering shrubs. Here’s what to do and why

GARDENING GUIDES Tidy Up Sprawling Native Shrubs With These Pruning Tips

By Oakley Gardens

Sound horticultural pruning methods work for native and nonnative plants alike

GARDENING GUIDES Got Frost-Damaged Plants? How It Happens, and When and How to Prune

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Crispy brown leaves are a sure sign that Jack Frost has been to your neighborhood

REMODELING GUIDES Ask an Architect: How Can I Carve Out a New Room Without Adding On?

When it comes to creating extra room, a mezzanine or loft level can be your best friend

THE POLITE HOUSE The Polite House: Can I Put a Remodel Project on Our Wedding Registry?

Find out how to ask guests for less traditional wedding gifts

DECORATING GUIDES The '70s Are Back. Can Ya Dig It?

By Becky Harris

No need to cringe. These 21 groovy blasts from the past are updated to look fabulous today

MOST POPULAR See the Difference a New Back Deck Can Make

By Becky Harris

A dramatic 2-story porch becomes the centerpiece of this Ohio family’s renovated landscape

FALL GARDENING 5 Fall Fruits You Can Grow in Containers

Brighten your porch or patio with a potted pomegranate, kumquat, blueberry bush or another great fall fruit

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Get a Mediterranean-Style Garden Even Far From the Sea

Some lavender here, a water feature there, and your garden just might feel transported to a balmy seaside locale

Sponsored