Azaleas, one of the more common plants in the southern
landscape, need some particular care during the summer. The
azalea puts on a spectacular flowering show in the spring and
summer. However, a maintenance plan needs to be devised in order
to continue that flower show for the next year. Not pruning
azaleas at this time is the most important thing that you can do
for them. However, in the coming weeks, azaleas should be given
an application of fertilizer and scouting should continue for
insects and caterpillars. Technically, azaleas are one of those
plants that should be pruned just after flowering. A general
rule of thumb is that if it blooms before May, then it should be
pruned immediately after flowering. Azaleas set flowers from
buds in early July; this is why it is important not to prune
your azaleas after early July or you risk the reduction of next
year's flower production, so do not prune azaleas after July
4th. July was also the last time of the year that you need to
apply fertilizer to your azaleas