The major season of work on Satsuki azalea is after blooming. Remaining flowers are removed. The ovaries are cut off. And the shoots are selected, shortened, and the leaves reduced to 2, a technique known as fishtail. 

Let’s take a look at this key azalea maintenance technique. 

A Satsuki azalea at the end of bloom cycle in late June. Some flowers are still out, some are finished, and vegetative growth is well underway.

First, take off any remaining flowers.

The ovary has a long, light-colored pistil attached. Cut off at the base.

Next, on the typical branchlet there are several shoots growing from one point. We only want to leave two. (On a thinly-branched azalea you can leave 3 shoots for a year or two.)

First shoot being removed. This one is growing up.

Second shoot removed. Also growing up.

Third shoot cut off (one is hidden by the scissors). This middle shoot is very strong.

Two shoots are now left from the five. Not too strong, not too weak.

Next, cut the shoot tip off, leaving at least two full size leaves.

Extra leaves are cut off, leaving two.

Final shoots with a pair of leaves each. Looks fishy, yes?

The area from the first photo again after flower removal, cutting shoots, and thinning leaves. From this trim, the plant will regrow new shoots over the summer. At their ends will be next year’s flower buds.

In the fall we’ll come back to select which of those should remain. Sound familiar? This 2-step annual technique is a close mirror of Japanese Black Pine. Minus the flowers. 

Ideally fishtail is done within the first week or two of July, or whenever flowering is wrapping up. A 2-3 month summer growing season is sufficient to set blooms on the regrowth. Be sure to water and fertilize well through the summer to help set flower buds for next year.