When to Prune a Lemon Drop Azalea

Characteristics

• "Weston's Lemon Drop" resulted from a cross between a native swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum) and an unidentified co-parent. Like swamp azalea, "Weston's Lemon Drop" is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. It is a deciduous azalea, which means it drops its leaves each year. Besides this characteristic, deciduous azaleas differ from evergreen varieties in a number of ways. They bloom in summer instead of spring. Rather than a mounded form, their habit is quite upright. Although they tolerate partial shade, they prefer full sun. Swamp azalea and its cultivars also tolerate wet soils, which most azaleas do not.

Pruning

• Like other deciduous azaleas, "Weston's Lemon Drop" only requires pruning if the plant becomes ungainly. Unless a problem arises, they are best left uncut to grow in their natural form. If pruning is desired, it should be done right after flowering in fall before the following year's flower buds begin to form. Spent flowers can be removed to promote new growth, but this too is rarely necessary. If desired, remove the finished blossoms by hand, a process called deadheading. Take the central axis of the flower cluster between your fingers and thumb and snap the stem quickly to the side. It should come off cleanly in your hand. You can also do this with a hand pruner. With any pruning, always sterilize your instruments before and after each cut to prevent the spread of disease.

Features

• Vigorous and stiffly upright in growth, "Weston's Lemon Drop" flowers in midsummer with peach-colored buds that open to pale, ivory-yellow blooms. The flowers emit a lemon fragrance and hold up well in sun, often remaining effective for two weeks or more. The plant's small leaves curl downward slightly and take on a dusty blue-green cast in summer months. As fall approaches, the leaves begin to yellow close to the main stem, but shift to dark pink-red on outer branches. Reddish-brown stems remain quite ornamental when bare in winter. "Weston's Lemon Drop" normally reaches 6 feet or more in height.

Care

• All azaleas prefer well-drained, acidic soil rich with organic matter. Their shallow roots require lots of oxygen, but they can also dry out quickly. Keep soil evenly moist, never soggy. Incorporate peat moss at planting, and mulch to conserve moisture, control competition from weeds and keep soil temperatures cool. Like its parent, "Weston's Lemon Drop" tolerates wetter soils and more shade, but a site in full sun maximizes plant health and blooming. A shaded site results in leggy stems, fewer flowers and more susceptibility to disease. Named a Proven Performer by the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, "Weston's Lemon Drop" is mildew-resistant, has few pests and, like other deciduous azaleas, needs no special winter care.