The best time to prune azaleas in Georgia is immediately after they have bloomed in the spring, typically within three weeks after flowering finishes. It is important not to prune after early July, as many azaleas begin to set flower buds in July and pruning after this time can reduce next year's flower production. Young azaleas should be pruned about six weeks after blooming and small plants may require several light prunings during the growing season for a compact, well-branched shape with many blooms. For severe pruning, such as with old or overgrown plants, it is recommended to prune just prior to the spring growing season to allow rapid new growth. Thinning cuts can be done any time of year without affecting flowering, but heading cuts for size reduction and rejuvenation should be done right after blooming to ensure new growth matures for the next year's flowers. Also, tall shoots that don't flower well can be cut out during late October or early November. In summary, prune azaleas after they finish blooming in spring, no later than early July, to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms for the following year in Georgia's climate.
