Annual and Drastic Pruning of Azalea Bushes: Tips and Warnings. The video provides tips and warnings on pruning azalea bushes. There are two main classes of azaleas: native and Asian. Asian azaleas include the Kurume and Southern Indian hybrids. Kurume hybrids are bright red and require minimal pruning, while Southern Indian hybrids grow very large and require regular pruning, especially if planted near a house. Dead stems should be clipped out in the spring, and annual light pruning should be done after the flowers have died. Drastic pruning can be done for Southern Indian azaleas that have grown too large. Each branch should be cut to within a foot of the ground and a slow-release fertilizer should be applied afterward. Pruning should only be done with pruning shears, not electric hedge clippers. Gloves should be worn to protect hands from cuts and scratches. Fungus can develop on azalea branches in late summer, so pruning should be done until white-colored wood is visible. Pruning should not be done after mid-June as this may affect blooming the following season, and pruning should not be done into shapes like squares.

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