How to prune azalea after it blooms?

Rhododendron , as a traditional famous flower in China, is famous for its numerous varieties, lush branches and leaves, verdant leaves and gorgeous flowers. Its elegant temperament has won the favor of many flower lovers. Most azaleas bloom in spring, and by May, their flowering period is basically over. Taking timely measures after the flowers wither can help the azalea recover and lay the foundation for the next flowering. So how do you prune azalea after it fades?

1. Prune the residue

After the flowering period, the first task is to prune the remaining flowers. If the withered flowers are left on the branches, they will bear fruit and consume a lot of nutrients, causing the plants to be weak and affecting their summer survival. Cutting off the dead flowers in time can not only reduce nutrient consumption, but also promote the growth of new buds, allowing the azalea to recover quickly. When pruning, clean up the old yellow leaves at the bottom, remove weak branches, as well as crossed branches and overly dense branches, keep the plants clean and tidy, and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests in summer.

2. Repot and change soil

Rhododendron has delicate roots and is demanding on soil, so it usually needs to be repotted and the soil changed at least once a year. The formation of flower buds consumes a lot of nutrients. If the soil of azalea has not been changed for more than a year, the soil nutrients may have been depleted. Loose, fertile, humus-rich acidic soil should be selected. Particulate matter such as perlite , coarse river sand, and decomposed organic fertilizer can be added as base fertilizer. For convenience, you can directly purchase special nutrient soil.

3. Adjust soil acidity

Azaleas prefer slightly acidic soil, and long-term use of tap water for watering may cause the soil to become alkaline. To maintain soil acidity, ferrous sulfate can be used regularly. According to the proportion in the instructions for the medicine, dilute ferrous sulfate into a liquid and irrigate once a month to adjust the pH value of the soil, prevent alkalinization, and avoid yellowing of leaves.

In short, the above measures can effectively help azaleas recover their vitality after the flowering period and prepare for the next season's flowering.