June Azalea Care: Prune for Shape & Control Lace Bugs

After spring bloom, two tasks keep azaleas healthy:

Prune for Natural Form

If shrubs are getting too tall, use hand pruners (not hedge trimmers) to remove taller branches back to a fork. This preserves the natural mounded shape.

Control Azalea Lace Bugs

These tiny (¼-inch) insects feed on leaf undersides, sucking chlorophyll and causing yellow speckling. June is the ideal time to spray the first generations.

Use insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, neem oil, or synthetic insecticides. Key: thorough coverage. Spray upward from beneath to coat leaf undersides. Pump sprayer vigorously. Early control prevents August infestations.