Do you even have to cut Japanese azaleas?
Basically, Japanese azaleas do not have to be pruned and should be left alone, especially with young plants. In the case of older, established specimens, however, pruning makes sense to prevent the plant from shedding. Such a rejuvenation cut ensures strong new shoots, a bushier growth and numerous flowers. Make the pruning before flowering between mid and late April and cut down the shrub significantly. At best, spread the pruning measures over a period of two to three years, then they will be better tolerated.
also read
- Hibernating Japanese azaleas properly
- Japanese azalea begins flowering in late spring
- Magnificent Japanese azalea bonsai - location, care, cutting
Cut tolerance depends on the variety
Japanese azaleas are considered to be well tolerated by cutting, but this applies to different degrees to the different varieties. Therefore, play it safe as possible and do not undertake major pruning measures at once. Instead, spread them out over several years.
How to cut Japanese azaleas correctly
In contrast to many other flowering shrubs, the Japanese azalea also sprouts out of the sleeping eyes in the old wood, which is why a necessary radical pruning should generally not be a problem. Usually it is sufficient to remove long shoots and dead or diseased branches every year. Thinning out is also useful from time to time. for a taper cut, however, proceed as follows:
- Do the pruning in spring or autumn.
- Spread it out over a period of two to three years.
- First, cut some of the shoots back to about 30 to 50 centimeters above the ground.
- In the following year, cut the remaining shoots in the same way.
When does a radical cut make sense?
Radical pruning is always useful when the plant is threatened with balding, has many dead or dry branches or does not want to bloom properly. Even with fungal infections, a hearty pruning can be the only way to save.
Tips
Unless you want to collect seeds, you should remove any that has withered in good time. But be careful: a new branch grows from the flower shoot, which of course you shouldn't damage.
