How to Keep Azaleas Looking Good Through Summer (Post-Bloom Care for South Louisiana)
Azaleas are the unofficial showstoppers of spring in South Louisiana. When they're blooming — it's magic. But once those vibrant flowers fade, many homeowners are left with one big question: “Now what?”
Don’t worry — your azaleas don’t have to turn into a leggy, yellowing mess by July. With the right care, these Southern staples can stay healthy, green, and ready to explode with color again next spring.
Here’s how to keep your azaleas looking good through summer in our heat, humidity, and high-rain environment.
1. Deadhead What’s Left Behind
If you still have dried or spent flowers clinging to the branches, it’s best to gently remove them by hand. This prevents seed formation, which drains energy from the plant.
While it’s not critical, this little cleanup helps your azaleas shift into leaf production and recovery mode.
2. Prune — But Only Before July
Timing matters here.
Azaleas bloom on old wood, meaning the buds for next spring form this summer. If you prune too late, you’re literally cutting off next year’s flowers.
South Louisiana Rule: Prune right after blooming ends — ideally no later than late June.
Focus on:
-Removing dead or twiggy branches
-Cutting back any overgrowth to shape the plant
-Thinning dense areas to improve airflow
Light shaping now = more blooms later.
3. Water Smart in the Heat
Summer stress can sneak up fast. Azaleas prefer consistent moisture, but not wet feet — especially in our heavy clay or poorly graded soils.
Tips for watering:
-Water deeply (not daily) to encourage root growth
-Use mulch to retain moisture and reduce surface evaporation
-Avoid overhead watering (promotes fungal issues)
If the leaves are curling, dropping, or turning crispy, you’ve waited too long.
4. Mulch = Moisture + Insulation
A 2-3" layer of pine straw or shredded bark mulch helps:
-Keep the soil cool
-Hold in moisture
-Suppress weeds
-Acidify the soil naturally — which azaleas love
Just keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of the trunk to avoid rot.
5. Feed Lightly (But Correctly)
Once blooming is done, your azaleas are hungry. But don’t go overboard.
Use a slow-release, acid-loving plant fertilizer (like one made for azaleas, camellias, or gardenias) in late spring to early summer.
Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers — they’ll push weak, leggy growth. You want balanced support that encourages healthy leaves and strong bud development.
6. Shade + Airflow = Happy Azaleas
Azaleas thrive in filtered light or part shade — especially in brutal Louisiana summers.
If yours are in full sun:
-Consider planting a small ornamental tree nearby for dappled shade
-Use taller companion shrubs to give them cover
-Make sure there’s plenty of airflow around the plant to prevent mildew or fungus
If your azaleas look bleached out or scorched, it may be a light stress issue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
-Pruning after July = no blooms next spring
-Overwatering in humid weather = root rot
-Full sun exposure = leaf burn
Fertilizing during drought = more stress, not less
Bonus Tip: Give Them a Mid-Summer Checkup
In July or August, check for:
-Yellow leaves (may signal chlorosis or poor drainage)
-Spider mites or lace bugs (common pests in hot months)
-Dead wood or hollow stems
If something seems off, call a pro (hint: that’s us!).
Serving Covington • Mandeville • Slidell • Northshore
At Cultivate, we know how to keep azaleas thriving through the thick of South Louisiana summer — whether they need light pruning, pest control, or soil TLC.
Need help with care, shaping, or replacements? We’ve got you covered with hands-on maintenance and seasonal care plans that keep your beds beautiful year-round.
Don’t let all that spring beauty go to waste. Book Your Seasonal Bed Cleanup or Azalea Care Visit Today!
Prune • Mulch • Feed • Refresh !
