Azaleas are one of the most famous flowering plants. Their colorful, abundant and long lasting flowers are perfectly combined with a compact growth habit and the ability to plant them outdoors. This makes them the ideal choice for a gift. Azaleas are known to give you a profusion of spring blooms on the landscape. Knowing how to take care of azalea is not difficult.
Azaleas are not one of the high maintenance shrubs, but there are some basic requirements, which you will have to take care of. Here are some simple tips on azalea care.
Soil and Light Requirements
- Azaleas will need a soil, which is slightly acidic. A similar kind of soil is found under pines, holly trees and oaks. Whenever you plant the azalea in your garden, make sure you plant it in loose soil, which is rich in organic matter and gets drained easily. If the soil does not drain away in the right manner, you will have to consider planting your azalea in a raised bed for meeting the plant’s need.
- Azaleas will grow in the best way when they are in partial sun. However, they will need more sun exposure if the soil is constantly moist. Try to look for a place that gets morning sunlight and is shady after 1 p.m.
Planting Tips
- Azaleas come with a shallow root system, so you must never dig around the plant once you have planted it. If you are planting azaleas under a tree, then you will have to make sure that the trees have a deep-rooting system like birches, oaks, pines and firs. Trees with shallow rooting system will give competition and eat most of the nutrients from the soil. Azaleas are stunning when you plant them in front of shrubs and evergreen trees.
Pruning and Watering
- Azaleas like the soil, which has been kept moist and is not completely soggy. Infrequent deep soaking will be beneficial with frequent sprinkles from the hose. Remember that most of the azaleas will bloom from April to May. Once they are done blooming there will be deadhead, faded blooms. You will have to use your thumb and forefinger for removing the dead flowers. However, while doing this make sure that you do not disturb the tender buds, which are growing close to the base of an old flower. These buds will be the flower for the next season.
Fertilizing
- Azaleas live on organic mulch, like rotted manure or compost and this can be their primary fertilizer. If you want to use the commercial fertilizer, then you must choose one that is specially made for acid-loving plants. Remember that you must never over-fertilize the plants and stop feeding them by the end of July. If you fertilize them in late summer, then it will force new growth, which will be killed during winter.
Mulching
- During late autumn, start mulching azaleas with shredded leaves, pine bark mulch or pine needles will give them the acidity that they like. Remember that you will have to avoid hardwood bark mulch, as this tends to make the soil more alkaline. You will have to mulch till the depth of about one inch, making sure that there is no direct contact with the trunk or stems. Mulching till the base of azaleas will give a good hiding place to the rodents and insects during the winter season.
Diseases
- Azaleas are prone to fungal diseases. Maintain good sanitation habits, because this is the best way to prevent your plant from diseases and controlling them at the early stages. Keep the surrounding area clean and keep it clear from all the damaged leaves. Water your azaleas near the soil line and make sure that your plants get enough circulation. If you want, then you can apply organic fungicide.
Tips and Warnings:
- If your azalea has become overgrown, cut it within 12 inches from the ground after flowering. Azaleas tend to quickly put on new growth and severe pruning will renew the shrubs.
- Azaleas tend to get frost damage, which is caused due to thawing too quickly after freezing. You will have to protect your plant from the morning sun in the winter for preventing it from frost damage.
Related Tags: how to take care of azaleas, taking care of azaleas, how to take care of azzalias, how to take care of broad leave azelea that need acidic soil, how to take of azaelas, how to tend azalea, no flowers azalea, papua new guinea azaleas care
Related Content: