I have an azalea in my flower bed that I've been trying to "nurse" since we bought my house 2 years ago. It's obviously never had anyone take care of it. Last year half the bush died and I trimmed it. It's coming back and flowered this year, and now is growing in every which way. But how often can I prune it? Is it too late in the season? Or is their a certain time it should be done. Thanks! :howdy:

I'm no expert, but my SIL is pretty good with plants and says that you can cut them back any time after they have bloomed. I have heard others say to wait until fall for best results.
Me, I am not patient enough to wait and cut them back whenever I feel like it (and the wife is not watching). Have not had any problems yet.

Here is a link to some info. Azalea Society of America (http://azaleas.org/index.pl/faq.html#pru)

They should be cut back shortly after blooming. If they are trimmed later in the summer it will hurt next seasons blooms big time. If shaping your plant is your main concern, it can be done anytime and done radically until the desired shape is attained then you can trim to increase blooming.