Reviving Leggy Azaleas: Pruning Strategies for Bushier Growth

Leggy azaleas blooming only at the tips? After flowering, prune individual spindly stems deep into the plant's center to maintain size without stimulating excessive new growth. For severely overgrown plants, cut back to 12 inches tall post-bloom. By June, strong shoots will emerge—pinch their tips at six inches to encourage branching. By fall, you'll have a nicely rounded shrub.

The key: water well after pruning to support recovery. Azaleas are remarkably resilient when given proper follow-up care.