Azalea and Hydrangea – Pruning

Q: Please let me know the latest I can severely trim azaleas and hydrangeas without killing them during the winter.

A: It will be problematic to prune either one right now. Azaleas have just about finished making next spring’s flower buds at the tips of branches. If you prune now you won’t have any flowers in April. It’s a similar situation with hydrangeas and their flowers. If you really have to prune, delay until after the first frost. Pruning won’t kill either shrub but don’t expect many flowers if you prune in fall or winter.