In the garden
By Janet Carson
Q: We recently moved into a house where all the shrubs and landscaping had been allowed to grow without pruning. I have azaleas growing almost to the top of the house and would like to know how far back you can prune them without hurting them. They need to be cut at least two feet.
A: Broadleaf plants such as azaleas can be pruned by one third or more and grow back nicely. An occasional severe pruning of even more can be done. Try to prune soon after flowering to allow as much time as possible for recovery.
When pruning, don’t simply shear them back two feet all the way around; instead, make selective pruning cuts to certain branches. This will allow the plants to fill back in with a more natural shape than having all the growth at one level. Fertilize with an azalea fertilizer after pruning.
For more information see today's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Subscribers can read the story here on ArkansasOnline.
This article was published Saturday, March 29, 2008.
Janet Carson is a horticulture specialist for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Write to her at P.O. Box 391, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or e-mail her at jcarson@arkansasonline.com
