Tips for Trimming Your Azaleas and a Look at the Best Varieties for Central Florida Yards

By: Anna Stubbendick, FCHP

As the days grew longer and the weather grew warmer, garden enthusiasts in the Tampa Bay area were treated to an exceptional azalea season this year. Azaleas are a great choice for gardens in central Florida due to their adaptability to our region’s weather and soil conditions. They thrive in acidic, well-draining soil and prefer partial shade, making them a perfect choice for gardens that get some morning sun but are shaded in the afternoon. 

When it comes to selecting azaleas for your central Florida garden, there are many options available. Here are some other popular varieties for our area:

1. George L. Tabor: This variety is a favorite among gardeners in central Florida for its vibrant pink blooms that appear in the spring and occasionally in the fall.
2. G.G. Gerbing: This variety has large, pure white flowers that appear in the spring.
3. Formosa: These varieties have showy purple or dark pink, almost red flowers that bloom in the spring.
4. Conversation Piece: This unique variety has multi-colored flowers that range from pink to white to lavender, making it a standout in any garden.
5. Encore Azaleas: Encore azaleas have been an especially popular choice this year because they bloom multiple times throughout the year. These azaleas were developed by a Louisiana nursery and are known for their heat tolerance, disease resistance, and ability to bloom in the spring, summer, and fall.  They are available in a variety in colors.  Most of the Encore Azaleas are either dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties, which make them perfect for small spaces, border plantings, and even containers.  Even better, Encore Azaleas can thrive in the full sun as well as the shadier spots in your yard.

To keep your azaleas healthy, it’s important to give them regular watering during dry periods and to fertilize them twice a year – once in the spring and again in the fall. Additionally, make sure to keep an eye out for pests and disease, such as lace bugs or fungal leaf spot, and take appropriate measures if needed.

Now that the main bloom season is over, it’s time to give your azaleas a good trimming to keep them healthy and looking their best. Trimming your azaleas is essential for maintaining their shape and promoting healthy growth. The best time to trim your azaleas is right after they have finished blooming. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Remove dead flowers: The first step is to remove the dead flowers from the azalea bushes. Use a pair of pruning shears to snip off the flowers right above the leaves. This will prevent the bushes from putting energy into producing seed pods.
2. Remove dead branches: Next, inspect the azalea bushes for any dead or damaged branches. Use your pruning shears to cut them off at the base of the branch. This will promote healthy growth and prevent disease from spreading.
3. Trim back new growth: Finally, trim back any new growth on the azalea bushes that is sticking out beyond the desired shape. Use your pruning shears to cut the new growth back to the desired shape.

In conclusion, azaleas are a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any garden in our area. With the right care, your azaleas can thrive and provide you with beautiful blooms year after year. Now that the blooms are done, give your azaleas a good trimming and consider adding some Encore varieties to your collection for even more color and beauty throughout the year. Happy gardening!

Anna Stubbendick is a FNGLA certified Horticulture Professional who has worked for Canterbury Farms Nursery & Garden Center since April 2021.  She has worked off and on in the landscape industry for the past 15 years or so.  Anna is a self-confessed “science nerd” who grew up with parents that instilled a love of gardening and all things nature-related.  When not at work, you can usually find Anna and her husband at the soccer fields with their teenage daughter or hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains on vacation.