Fran Wagstaff wrote:

The Azalea is still flourishing, but it really needs to be trimmed
back. Now is the time, according to my dear aunt Betty. She failed to
tell me, however, how to root the cuttings. Would I simply place these
in pots until they take hold, or should I root in water first?

My method is not to cut, but to hold a branch down on the dirt with a brick
or rock until roots form. Then I can cut it off it's "Mom" and plant it
elsewhere. Takes time, but it works.