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(eg. spring planting, landscape design)

In the southeast, no other plant signals the arrival of spring more than the azalea in full bloom. There are hundreds of azalea varieties and new hybrids are introduced every year. Let's take a look at some of the plant's general characteristics and growing requirements.

 

Light: In the southeast, azaleas perform best in filtered shade.  Full sun can burn or bleach the leaves and cause dangerously dry soil.  Deep shade will decrease bloom production and cause the plants to stretch out and become spindly.

 

Water: Azaleas have a shallow root system that can dry out very quickly.  If rainfall is scarce, water your azaleas about every five to seven days throughout the growing season.  Azaleas require consistently moist soil and should be watered on a regular basis, especially during their first year of growth.

 

Fertilizer: More azaleas are killed by getting too much fertilizer than they are by getting too little fertilizer. Optimum results are achieved when you apply a plant food formulated for azaleas once or twice a year. Put down the first application right after the azaleas finish flowering in the spring.  This will help the plants recover from bloom production.  It also fortifies the plants and helps them withstand our stressful summertime weather.  If we have a particularly hot and dry summer, apply a second application at one-half the recommended rate in late September.

 

Planting Instructions: If your azalea does not thrive in its first year, it is probably due to improper planting. For best results, dig the planting hole twice as wide as the container or root ball.  Next, break up the native clay soil and mix in plenty of organic matter.  Before planting, examine the roots.  If they are matted together or encircle the root ball, you must loosen and spread the roots of the azalea.  The top of the root ball should be slightly higher than the surface of the soil. This is very important.  Azaleas require a lot of air in the root zones, so don't plant them too deeply or pile soil or mulch around the main stem.

 

Pruning: If needed, prune azaleas just after they finish flowering.  Azaleas set their flower buds for the following spring during the summer months.  Don't prune them after July 1 or you may cut off the buds and sacrifice next year's blooms.