Do not cut young Japanese azalea if possible

Content

• Do not cut young Japanese azalea if possible
• Do you have to cut Japanese azaleas at all?
• Cut compatibility is sort-dependent
• Cut Japanese azalea properly
• When is a radical section useful?
• Tips

A pruning of Japanese azalea is only useful in bonsai or older plants

Do not cut young Japanese azalea if possible

The Japanese azalea is closely related to the rhododendron - in fact it is a rhododendron hybrid - but remains much smaller. For this reason, a regular pruning to limit the size is basically not necessary; unless you hold the plant in a bucket.

Early article Optimal care for a lush Japanese azalea Next article Magnificent Japanese Azalea Bonsai - location, care, cut

Do you have to cut Japanese azaleas at all?

Basically you do not have to cut back Japanese azaleas and should prefer to stay with young plants. In older, established specimens, however, a pruning is useful to protect the plant from blunting. Such a rejuvenation cut provides for a vigorous new shoot, a bushier growth and numerous flowers. Perform the cut before flowering between the middle and the end of April and reduce the shrub significantly. At best, if you distribute the cutting measures over a period of two to three years, they will be better tolerated.

Cut compatibility is sort-dependent

Although Japanese azaleas are considered to be good cut tolerant, but that applies to the different varieties to varying degrees. Try to be on the safe side and do not take larger cutting measures at once. Instead, distribute them over several years.

Cut Japanese azalea properly

In contrast to many other flowering shrubs, the Japanese azalea is also reproducing from the sleeping eyes in the old wood, which is why a necessary radical pruning usually should not be a problem. Usually it is sufficient to remove too many shoots and dead or sick branches every year. Even a make-ready is useful from time to time. on a rejuvenation cut, on the other hand, you proceed as follows:

When is a radical section useful?

A radical pruning is always useful if the plant threatens to become bald, has many dead or dry branches or does not really want to flower. Even with fungal infections, a hearty pruning can be the only way of rescue.

Tips

Unless you want to collect seeds, you should remove the blooms in time. But beware: from the flower shoot at the same time a new branch grows, which of course you should not damage.