Removing the flower buds from satsuki azalea bonsai is a common technique for getting a tree to focus on producing new growth instead of flowering.

Satsuki azalea – Momoka

Although I’d love to enjoy the tree’s flowers this year, I’d rather it grow as much as possible and gain the vigor that will be necessary before I can continue the tree’s training as bonsai.

The work is simple but requires care. I start by identifying a flower bud.

Flower bud

I then grab the bud and gently bend it to one side until it separates.

Grabbing the bud

Removing the bud

Bud removed

I typically use my left hand to support the base of the shoot as I do this to prevent the shoot from breaking. Azalea shoots are brittle – if this work is done too quickly or without adequate care it’s easy to snap the shoot.

Broken shoot

Once the shoots are removed the tree is ready for spring. Until new roots are established, I’ll keep the trees in a warm, humid, environment and mist them throughout the day until the weather warms up at which point I can take the trees outdoors.

After removing flower buds

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