It’s that time of year again! Just as April showers brought us May flowers, June brought us an opportunity to start anew. This is no different for your flowering shrubs. Those bright Spring colors will be replaced by various shades of Summer green. As these natural changes occur, it poses the question: What can I do to support the health of my trees and shrubs?
The answer is just as simple as the old proverb says, “do unto others as you would have done to you.” Just as we care for our bodies with daily care and routine check-ups, so should your plants. In order to reach that optimal health, we will uncover best and worst practices when it comes to pruning care through the example of the Azalea.
Read on to discover what you can do for the flowering shrubs on your property…
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Azaleas (Rhododendrons)
What are Azaleas? Azaleas are apart of the Rhododendron genus. These shrubs are native to, and can be spotted all along, the Appalachian Mountain range. They bloom in the springtime displaying bright pink, purple and white color varieties on their flowers.
Did you know... Azaleas are native to other regions of the world aside from North America. These other regions include Europe and Asia. In Chinese culture, the Azalea bush is known as the “thinking of home bush,” or “xiang shu” in Chinese.
Pruning
Pruning is a technique that promotes the overall health and look of your shrub (or bush) by selectively removing dead or unwanted branches. There are many factors to consider when determining if your shrub(s) need pruning. According to the University of Maryland, the best time of year to prune flowering shrubs is immediately after they flower, towards the end of June. Other considerations are the health of your shrub, or the aesthetic you are looking to gain with them.
Improper Pruning
The short term effects of not trimming your shrubs include a large, bushy, and messy appearance. However; the cause for concern comes with the long term effects of not pruning shrubs. In the long term, the interior branches of you plant will become so dense that they stop getting sunlight or nutrients. Essentially, the bush becomes too big to support itself. In response the shrub begins to decay and the wood becomes unproductive which means less flower production thus lowering the overall appeal of your landscape. If your plant is pruned incorrectly, it could damage and decrease its health substantially.
Proper Pruning
When it comes to caring for shrubs (bushes), one of the most important things you can do is prune them properly. It is important to prune your shrubs, like your Azalea, properly because it will help maintain the size and health of your plant. When done correctly, pruning can help increase the flowering potential of your Azalea bush. It can also help control the shape and growth habit of your plant. So, if you are looking to keep your Azalea healthy and looking its best, be sure to follow these steps when pruning. Proper pruning can help increase air circulation and allow light to reach the inner parts of the plant.
What to Look for In Your Yard
When pruning azaleas, there are a few things you can look for in your yard. First, damaged or diseased branches should be removed. Secondly, any dead leaves or flowers should be removed. Finally, any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other should be trimmed.
