As the autumn months slowly creep up, our gardens will start looking a little sad and withered. This means it's time to deadhead our plants ready for them to die back, but should you include your azaleas in this?
Knowing how to deadhead plants properly is one of the most crucial gardening jobs to master as it not only allows you to neaten up your garden but also improves the plant's overall health.
However, there are some plants that you should never deadhead as doing so can actually stunt their growth and affect their ability to come back in the warmer seasons.
So if you have an azalea bush that's looking a little worse for wear you might be standing with secateurs in hand wondering if you can give it a chop. Here's what the gardening experts say...
Should you deadhead azaleas? Experts explain
Whilst deadheading is certainly an essential summer gardening job, you'll probably find yourself doing it right into the autumn months. For most plants, this practice breathes a new lease of life into them.
Petar Ivanov, gardening expert at Fantastic Gardeners, explains that azaleas will benefit from being deadheaded however it won't have transformative effects.
"Usually, azaleas require little or no pruning, but deadheading can improve their appearance. While it’s not absolutely necessary, it will encourage them to bloom for longer," he says. So similar to questioning whether you should deadhead Rhododendrons a seasonal trim is beneficial.
What are the benefits of deadheading azaleas?
Unlike deadheading peonies which will guarantee the plant's regrowth, azaleas might not be so reactive to the helpful chop. There are however several benefits to deadheading them and they're not just aesthetic.
"Deadheading can lessen the build-up of dead plant material which will reduce the likelihood of a fungal infection occurring and killing the plant," explains Graham Smith MCIhort, horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture.
He also adds that it does improve the plant's appearance and of course, there is the possibility that deadheading will encourage the plant to bloom longer and grow additional flowering shoots. It's a similar story when choosing to deadhead irises or deadheading dahlias.
FAQs
How to deadhead azaleas
Luckily deadhead is an easy gardening tip for beginners, so the method isn't too complicated you'll just need the right tools.
"If you decide to deadhead your azaleas, you can use a regular pair of pruning shears to snip each spent and faded flower head from the shrub. Generally, try to take a minimal approach and mainly inspect the plant instead of deadheading a lot," says Petar.
He advises, "Go to the base of the spoiled bloom, look for the woody part of the stem and only twist and pull it to remove the wilted flower head. Keep in mind that using pruning shears will allow you to perform a more precise job and avoid damaging any new blooms, while you’ll need to be more careful if you deadhead with your hands."
As for the right timing for deadheading, Petar points out that this depends on the variety of azaleas you're growing. He explains that as a general rule, you should start deadheading when you see the flowers are starting to fade or become damaged by frost.
Should you be a little tight on time and not have all day to spend in the garden Petar says that you really needn't prioritise deadheading your azaleas. If you often find yourself rushing in the garden you may want to invest in the essential tools every gardener needs to get more done quickly.
