Repairing Azaleas that were box cut

Question

I just moved into my home and noticed the azalea bushes did not bloom. It looks like the previous owners cut with Hedge clippers. Is it acceptable to cut back as if pruning?

Answer 1

Heavy pruning with hedge shears will cause the loss of flowering and the detract from the natural form and beauty of the plants. Best to do light pruning, removal of any dead branches, light thinning and shaping. Normally if azaleas are planted with the right spacing and in a planting bed with enough space to grow naturally, they don't need much pruning.

Water appropriately, not too much or too little. Azaleas are susceptible to root rot if over-watered.
Fertilize with a specific azalea, rhododendron camelia ferilizer.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/pruning-azaleas.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azaleas-noteworthy-shrubs-for-any-garden.htm

https://www.domyown.com/dr-earth-acid-lovers-rhododendron-azalea-camellia-fertilizer-p-9490.html