Deep pink, white, and red azaleas dot many gardens every spring. They are easy plants to grow and if cared for properly, they will pay off with amazing blooms every year. Current varieties give gardens a cheerful look even during the winter months. Go to step one to learn how to plant azaleas and keep them healthy for years to come.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Plant
Step 1. Choose the right azalea for your garden
Azaleas are quite common and grow well in places with warm winters and prolonged summers. They are very hardy plants that do not have great needs. Different varieties correspond to different needs, so to be satisfied with the results, choose the right one.
- Azaleas come in two main varieties: the wild climbing ones do not need to be pruned; the Asian ones grow bushy.
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Asian azaleas are divided into two varieties, both of which are evergreen:
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Kurume hybrids.
They are bright red and remain well confined to one area. They can be planted in pots, flower beds or directly into the ground and will not grow more than 90-120cm. They don't require a lot of maintenance.
- Southern Indian hydrides which instead become very tall and large. They come in various colors, especially deep pink and white, and can easily grow to cover windows and doors. If you have a lot of space they could be a solution, but you will need to prune them from time to time.
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- The Azalea Society or your local greenhouse can offer recommendations on the type of azalea to plant in your area. There are descriptions and examples online, in gardens and garden stores. Choose one type of azalea or combine a few types of different colors and species to have a varied garden.
Step 2. Choose a shaded spot
Find a spot in the garden with shade: "dotted shade," as many azalea enthusiasts call it. This particular mix of shade and sun is perfect for azaleas. If you plant them in full sun they will not grow well. According to the Azalea Society of America, inflorescences perform best when planted under the shade of trees.
There are deciduous varieties of azaleas that perform well even in full sun, so you can focus on these if you don't have much shade available
Step 3. Check that the soil is well drained
Azaleas need well-drained soil, which does not retain water after rains. To determine if the soil where you plan to plant the azalea is suitable, dig before it rains then check. If the hole is filled with standing water, the soil does not drain, it is probably mostly clay. If the water has drained it should be fine for the azaleas.
If the soil doesn't drain well, you can mix it with compost or other organic matter to dissolve it. Loosen it for several centimeters, to fragment it well, then mix it with the draining compost. Another option is to plant the azalea in a pot or raised bed where you can better control drainage
Step 4. Determine the acidity of the soil
Azaleas prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5.5 and 6. If a soil test reveals alkalinity, mix it with some sulfur before planting.
Part 2 of 3: Plant the Azalea
Step 1. Dig a hole and plant the azalea
Use a spade to dig a hole in the ground deep enough to cover the roots and base of the plant. Dig a few inches more than the root ball and place the azalea in the hole so that the top is slightly higher than the ground surface. Add soil around the plant. Spread it around and under the azalea and lightly compact with your fingers.
- Water the azalea before planting it. Dip the root ball into a bucket of water or use a hose to moisten it before planting the azalea.
- If you plant more than one, make sure the holes are several inches apart.
Step 2. Water the plant
Water the soil slowly and thoroughly. Repeat the day after planting the plant. Azaleas should be watered at least once a week unless they have direct sun, in which case you will need to water more frequently. Be careful not to let it dry out or it will shrivel.
Step 3. Mulch the area around the plant after it has faded
Use pine needles and bark, sawdust, shavings. This will keep the soil moist and the temperature uniform. Mulch will also stop weeds.
Step 4. Fertilize the azalea as needed
If your soil is rich and acidic you won't need to fertilize often. If you choose to do this, do it in the spring, immediately after flowering. Use an acidifying fertilizer such as cottonseed or choose a fertilizer made specifically for azaleas.
Incorrect fertilization can cause the plant to flower at the wrong time, so only feed it when it's needed
Part 3 of 3: Prune the Azalea
Step 1. Cut off dead branches in the spring
Prune azalea plants to allow the plant's energy to channel towards new growth. Look at the azalea for dead branches and other spots that need pruning. Use a pair of secateurs to thin out the azaleas. Cut off all dead branches.
Don't overdo it with spring pruning. Each healthy branch you cut is a branch that could produce beautiful spring flowers. If you want to drastically change the shape of the azalea, wait until late summer
Step 2. Prune lightly as soon as the plant fades
Now is the time to reshape your bush if you wish. Trim new, long twigs next to larger ones to maintain the azalea's natural shape. Prune areas that seem too full for air to pass through and improve the appearance of the bush. Make cuts carefully, do not use plant shears to decimate the bush.
Don't prune too late. Do this no later than three weeks after fading or you won't have any more flowers next year
Step 3. Prune drastically if necessary
If you have an overgrown azalea and are ready to cut, you can do it 90cm above the ground and your plant will grow bushy and beautiful. Do this after the spring flowers are dry so the plant will have time to recover before the next growth phase.
Advice
- Many people throw away azaleas after flowering, but you can make yours bloom again by exposing it to the cold for about two months.
- Avoid fungal infections by using a fungicide spray if you notice leaf rust (the petals turn brown and soft) or if blisters appear (small white spores turn brown).
Warnings
- Try to keep the soil pH fairly acidic, between 4.5 and 5.5.
- Don't fertilize azaleas. You could lead them to bloom at the wrong time.
