Azaleas

Planting Location:

Azaleas need a well drained location with morning sun and afternoon shade. They will not thrive in wet areas and too much sun can harm their leaves and fade their flowers. Shelter azaleas from drying winds. The north, northeast or east side of a building or stand of evergreens or the filtered shade under tall trees can provide ideal conditions.

 

Proper Planting:

Azaleas can be planted any time of the year, even when in full bloom. Spring and early fall are ideal times for planting. Summer is okay if you give extra care to watering.

To ensure proper drainage, azaleas should be planted high, with 1/4 to 1/3 of the rootball above the existing ground level in a hole at least twice as wide as the rootball. Make planting mix of ‘/a organic material and 2/ original soil. If the azalea was in a pot make sure to loosen the root system. Place the plant in the hole; adding planting mix and pack mix firmly. Mound soil up to top of rootball. Water well. Mulch 2’ deep making sure to keep mulch away from stem of the plant.

Watering:

For the first season spring and summer waterings should be done 2-3 tunes per week until fall, then once a day if they are small or the weather is hot. Always check the soils moisture before watering (it should be lightly moist several inches down). Following years water azaleas about once a week when there has not been a good soaking rain. Plants will need more water in hot summers and while in flower.

Pruning:

Azaleas rarely need to be pruned. When pruning is required it should be done immediately after blooming. If you wait until summer you may cut off next years bloom. Azaleas may be sheared as they wifi send out new shoots anywhere on a branch.

Fertilizing:

Right after bloom with Hollytone or any add type fertilizer; then again in fall half strength with Hollytone.

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