What is the best time of year to trim azaleas?

The best time to trim an Azalea is in the spring within three weeks of when it is done blooming. Bloom time varies by locale. When spent flowers begin to discolor, shrivel and fall off, it is time to prune.

Pruning an Azalea immediately following flowering allows the shrub enough time to produce new flower buds for the following year. Pruning in the summer, fall or winter removes the new buds, producing a green but flowerless shrub the next year. Ideally, Azaleas should be minimally pruned each year before July, leaving a natural, graceful form that can set abundant flower buds.