Yes, you can use the clippings from the roots to start to grow new plants. Chart physical structures to complete the garden, such as foot paths, fences, terraces or steps on hillsides. Now I think I can actually do this, and the azaleas will live to tell the tale. Prune dead or dying stems and remove any leaves that are curled-up or have webbing on the underside. Try to keep the pH of the soil somewhat acidic with an ideal range of 4.5 - 5.5pH. • While sprinkling most plants with water leaves them vulnerable to fungus attacks, the azalea flower absorbs water from its leaves to compensate for its weak roots. Choose a partly shady area when planting. How To Plant, Prune, Fertilizer, Water, Grow And Care For Native Azaleas And Deciduous Rhododendrons Posted by Brent Wilson on 8/18/2016 to Fertilizing & Watering Tips A little good advice goes a long way when it comes to success with growing the beautiful deciduous rhododendrons, commonly called native azaleas by many gardeners. Azaleas have shallow roots that should not be disturbed by cultivating. To test if it is well drained soil, dig a hole six inches deep and six inches across and fill it with water. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. If you have alkaline soil, grow Rhododendrons as container plants since reducing soil pH is not simple. 2. Do not fertilize azaleas. Plant azaleas according to spacing recommendations. ", confident on what to do with this shrub. The white azalea plant is often grown in the eastern United States and requires more shade than most azaleas. Some deciduous azaleas add bright fall color before the leaves drop. Plant azaleas in the fall, covering the plant up to the top of the root line and providing lots of full sun Avoid fungal infections by using a fungicidal spray if petal blight is noticed (petals turn brown and mushy), or leaf gall shows up (small white spores that may turn brown). Avoid planting azaleas near concrete sidewalks, driveways or foundations that may leach out lime (which can raise the pH of the nearby soil.). Buying azaleas We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. You can use double rows 10 inches apart if space is limited. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. – The choice is yours. Native azaleas grow like small trees and don't need pruning. Azaleas are hardy plants that don't need much care. Transplanting azaleas is no different. Azaleas thrive in partial shade. Pick the right azalea for your garden. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Water it again the day after planting, then once a week after that. Much loved for their abundance of flowers. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Support wikiHow by wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. ", to surprise her with these azaleas I bought, so I plan to do it all by myself. My heart's desire is a linear grouping of native azaleas along the front of my new home, high in the north Georgia mountains. Now I can go buy my azalea bushes and get to planting! The blossoms are large and consist of rounded white flowers. The foliage is a lighter green than most. just UN-complicated what I thought would be a byzantine process! Pictures were a nice touch also. Their form and texture also tend to reduce the legginess of your Azalea shrubs and handsome effects can be created by choosing the perfect leaf shapes that complement and contrast beautifully to the growth habit for your Azaleas and Rhododendrons. There are thousands of varieties and growing recommendations can vary widely. "I'm a gardening virgin, seriously lacking in confidence. Each healthy branch you cut away is a branch that could have produced beautiful spring flowers. Azaleas can also make exceptional candidates for containers. Set the azalea upright in the hole and pat the soil around the roots, then gently water the plant and the soil. Azaleas are surface-rooting plants, so they don't need very deep soil to thrive - about 30-40cm is adequate. Yes. Imagine large-variety azaleas tumbling in mass plantings, low-growing varieties as borders, and play with color placement ideas to achieve the best visual appeal. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. The top roots should be at the soil level or slightly below. 3. Plant a low-growing border to soften the appearance of irregular or uneven ground. For single plants, dig a planting hole the same depth as the root ball and two to three times wider than the area to be covered by the branches of the plant you are setting. Check plants occasionally for pests, fungi, wilting branches 5. In winter some stand out with large evergreen leaves. Thank you! Azaleas planted in warm weather in sandy soils may require watering of the root mass twice a week during the first year. If you are unsure, place the container in the hole. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. I will be translating my mums to the full sun and azaleas, "I enjoyed it all. November to February is the best season for transplanting, but containerized azaleas may be transplanted at any time if proper care is provided. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Best Soil for Azalea Plants. If the water has not drained from the hole within three hours, the soil is too poorly drained for azaleas. Yes, but it is better if you give tea leftovers, because it provides more protein to the plant than coffee leftovers. Use a mulch, even chopped up leaves, on the soil surface. It also helps to amend the soil with compost beforehand. If there is … Choose colors that harmonize during seasonal changes. Autumn Twist Encore Azalea Care. It grows low to the ground and grows well in mass plantings. Identify spaces where taller specimen azaleas would be appropriate. % of people told us that this article helped them. There are deciduous azalea varieties that do well with full sun, so check into these if you don't have much shade available. Don't go overboard with this early-season pruning. Azaleas need partial shade. Most are deciduous (lose leaves in the winter) and are able to tolerate warmer temperatures. Alternatively, use it as a mass planting for a truly remarkable display. Read on if you are interested in learning how to transplant azalea bushes. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Can I transplant it after it blooms? Water thoroughly. Fertilize and Prune Your Plants In the absence of a soil test, fertilize the plants in early spring and again after they flower early in the summer. — C.M., Arlington ANSWER: In an organic program, we fertilize all plants basically at the same time because we are feeding the soil, not force-feeding the plants.And that should make your life easier. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Just waiting for my answer, I have time. "Very informative, the step-by-step of how to plant the azalea is very helpful. Wet the azalea before planting. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Range: Encore Azaleas WHERE TO BUY More Info. Some shade-loving azalea varieties also thrive in open spots in cool, coastal areas or areas with prolonged fog. Azaleas look great planted en masse in a garden bed. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 495,919 times. Read on for tips from our horticulture reviewer on how to prepare the soil before planting. This means I'll be planting more of these in different colors and varieties. Can the clippings from the root start to grow new plants? ", "The planting and pruning tips helped a lot! http://homeguides.sfgate.com/azalea-planting-zones-care-77532.html, http://rhodyman.net/rhodynho.php#anchor10S, http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/azalea-plants-00400000065914/, http://rhodyman.net/rhodynho.php#anchor1077036, http://www.poison.org/articles/2015-mar/azaleas-and-rhododendrons, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. She has been a home gardener and professional gardener since 2008. Each of these conditions is important to grow Azaleas and Rhododendrons successfully. Azaleas are popularly grown in the southeastern United States because they do well with mild winters and long summers. If you want to plant azaleas, dig a hole that is deep enough to cover the root ball and the bottom of the plant. It also helped with pruning and, "It proved the basic information needed for every stage of growth, as well as choosing the right azalea. Thank you. Improper fertilizing can also cause the plant to bloom at the wrong time, so be sure to fertilize only if required. After positioning in the hole, backfill, mulch and … Consider the height and shape of the plant, the color and shape of the blooms, and the color and size of the foliage. It's cherished for position near the front door to call attention in the spring with its exquisite mass of color. Remember that direct-power solar lights won’t work in the shade, so opt for wired electric lights or solar fixtures with remote solar collector panels. It can cause the plant to bloom at the wrong time. Independent poison control center providing resources to prevent poisonings and save lives. Azaleas and rhododendrons are shrubs for all seasons. ", "Fantastic! Can I plant an azalea in a pot on my porch? For example, naturalized spring-blooming bulbs provide additional color and share azaleas’ blooming period, while blueberries offer colorful foliage in the fall and have similar soil acidity requirements. Not only can eating any part of the plant lead to poisoning, but honey made by bees feeding on azaleas can become poisonous as well! Karen is without a doubt among the most coveted azaleas for front foundation bed planting. Dig down 2 feet deep, add compost to the soil and mix well. Thank you! Use your hands to loosen the roots, then dip the root ball in a bucket of water. Use medium azaleas, maturing at 3 to 6 feet, as foundation plants or hedges. How to Plant the Duchess of Cypress Azalea, How to Prune Evergreen Shrubs and Juniper Trees, Missouri Botanical Garden: Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Sloat Garden Center: Azalea, Camellia and Rhododendron, Encore Azalea: Planting Encore Azaleas in the Landscape, United States National Arboretum Plant Introduction: Rhododendron, Glenn Dale Hybrid Azaleas, How to Landscape With Flowering Crepe Myrtles. After reading this article I feel, "Very helpful. My wife has always been the planter and I the digger. Gypsum (calcium sulfate) at the broadcasted rate of 50-100 lbs/1000 ft2 (5-10 lbs/100 ft2) over the bed or on top of the native soil will improve internal drainage of clay-based soils. Choose a spot with the best growing conditions. Katherine Gohmann is a Professional Gardener in Texas. If you do have a clay soil, every 6 inches of clay needs 3- to 4-inches of organic matter mixed in. Outstanding shrub for all beds and borders and will integrate with nearly every plant sharing the … ", just uncomplicated what I thought would be a byzantine process! If you are planting more than one azalea, make sure the holes are space several feet apart. Place the plant in the center of the planting hole (be sure the top of the root ball is level with or higher than the ground level). An organic mulch applied to a depth of 2 - 3 inches will conserve water and reduce weed problems. In spring the flowers are showy; throughout the summer and fall the leaves add a pleasing, deep green color to the garden. Can I trim the roots of a mature azalea bush for easier transplanting? Review potential azalea varieties that grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Remember that azaleas are poisonous. Enter your zip code on the website and click "Find.". When you are ready to plant, dig a hole with a good shovel in the soil. 3. The Right Moisture While evergreen azaleas take more drought than native ones, they have shallow roots and don't like dry soil. • Mass cultivation with azaleas is possible and could benefit from a well-thought-out surface irrigation system. Till it to a depth of several feet to break it up, then mix in the other well-draining matter. Such acidic mulches also help maintain the soil acidity azaleas require as they decompose – 5.0 to 5.5 is the ideal pH for azaleas. Best Soil for Azalea Plants Azaleas have shallow roots and require a well-drained, acidic soil. These azaleas form spreading green masses that can be easily pruned into dense home-hugging bushes. Fern Fischer's print and online work has appeared in publications such as Midwest Gardening, Dolls, Workbasket, Quilts for Today and Cooking Fresh. This article has been viewed 495,919 times. Hardy in USDA Zones 6a-10b. With a broader focus on organic gardening, health, rural lifestyle, home and family articles, she specializes in topics involving antique and modern quilting, sewing and needlework techniques. ", "Very helpful, Informative and educational for the person with no knowledge of azaleas. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. If it’s an azalea, you’re in luck because azaleas have shallow roots, are easy to dig up, and recover quickly from the stress of moving. Azaleas and Rhododendrons are not difficult to grow but have special cultural requirements. My heart's desire is a linear grouping of native azaleas along the front of my new home, high in the north Georgia mountains. Encore Azaleas need to receive 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, or all-day lightly filtered sun. ", also like a similar set of instructions for planting azaleas in pots. Katherine Gohmann is a Professional Gardener in Texas. Asian azaleas grow as shrubs and are available in two varieties, both of which are evergreen: The Azalea Society or your local nursery can make recommendations on the type of azalea to plant in your area. Knew some things, but learned much more. If your soil remains soggy for long periods, don’t plant azaleas. This article received 20 testimonials and 96% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article was co-authored by Katie Gohmann. How to Plan an Azalea Garden 1. If you have alkaline soil but still want azaleas, either grow them in pots or plant them in raised beds to which you've added garden sulfur to make the soil acid. Choosing Companions for Azaleas and Rhododendrons In addition to finding companion plants that can thrive in the same growing conditions, gardeners should also consider what qualities they are looking for in these companion plants. There are hybrid descriptions and examples online or in local garden and landscaping shops. But remember to use plenty of compost - it acts like blotting paper around the roots, and keeps them moist but not over wet. Thanks. Define the garden space by drawing a rough outline on paper of the area you wish to landscape, noting specific spots... 2. Review potential azalea varieties that grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. She has been a home gardener and professional gardener since 2008. If it's green underneath, it's still alive. These acid-loving plants can be grown in USDA Zones 4-9 and thrive in filtered shade and well-draining soil. Azaleas are recommended for mass planting beneath deciduous trees, bedding plants for filtered light situations, and perfect planting partners for Camellias in Camellia and Azalea gardens, and Japanese gardens. Dip the root ball in a bucket of water, or use a hose to lightly dampen it, before setting the azalea into the ground. Purchase plants that are deep green (not yellowed), not wilted, and that are well watered. Azaleas are amongst the most popular, evergreen shrubs we grow. Stick with one type of azalea or incorporate several different colors and species into the garden for variety. The azaleas should be planted in well-drained areas or raised beds to keep the roots well drained. It helped me very much. Because azaleas prefer consistent moisture, drip irrigation is ideal. Thanks to you I think I'll be able to do a good job. Can I plant azaleas in a pot and put it on an apartment patio? ", "Very informative, thank you. They're quite easy to plant and, if you care for them properly, you'll be greeted by their dazzling blooms year after year. Incorporate an irrigation system to maintain the azalea garden. Azaleas have very shallow root systems so they need moist soil and mulch from drying out. Feature plant, mass plantings, great for periodically wet areas How can I tell how much sun my azaleas should get? My azalea has been in our yard for six years. The ones with more shade do better than those in full sun, in my experience, so choose a location that provides some cover. This hole should be large enough to comfortably hold the plant’s root system. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Hot pink, red, and white azaleas brighten many southern yards each spring. How can I tell if my azaleas are going to survive where I am? unlocking this expert answer. Different types of azaleas have slightly different needs, so pay attention to what type you pick out to ensure you'll be satisfied with the results. If you don’t have a natural woodland area in your landscape, plant azaleas in the shadow of any taller plants… Garden lights or path lights make the area accessible in the evening. Include companion plants with colorful foliage or flowers to lend color and texture after the azaleas finish blooming. Is leftover coffee good for plants in small doses? : Rhododendron (Includes Azalea). Select the right type of azalea for your garden. They spread as a colorful green mass with seasonal color. ", planting it outside. It is important with new plants to tease the roots out gently before planting, to help them establish well in the garden. Don't prune too late in the year. Azalea plants should be spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. Cover the ground around the azalea with mulch to help keep the soil moist and stabilize the temperature of the roots. Shade-loving plants, Ferns are wonderful companion plants to Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Do not dig the hole excessively deep, otherwise the root ball will sink and settle too low. Try it as a foundation planting, hedge, container, or specimen. The soil should be acidic, organic, moist, fertile and well-drained. Remember, azaleas are a shallow rooting plant. A layer of organic mulch such as redwood bark, pine needles or oak leaves protects the roots and helps control moisture loss and weed growth. Search for "USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map." It is thought that azaleas do better with morning sun and afternoon shade. His one comment scared me, "Don't kill it". Poor drainage causes root rot and can kill azaleas. Plant in Full Sun for best results. Soil should be fertile and well-drained – a mix of light organic matter for moisture retention and sand for good drainage. Mix sun-tolerant varieties with shade-loving varieties to extend the scope of shrub placement possibilities as well as the bloom season. Approved. ", fertilizing. Review information for azalea varieties before planting. Space your plants about 2-6 feet apart. List other existing plants such as ground covers that you want to keep or relocate. After reading this article, I believe I am ready. Placed them back in the ground and they never missed a season. The article on choosing, planting and caring for azaleas, "I really benefited from the step-by-step instructions. Very complete and informative!". Oh my... but thanks to you I think I'll be able to do a good job. Soak the roots to prevent wilting during summer droughts. This article has been viewed 495,919 times. One comment scared me, "Don't kill it." I didn't know I shouldn't fertilize after August. Azaleas prefer to grow in acidic soil; under taller shrubs and trees. Rhododendrons and azaleas are popular garden shrubs with colorful flowers that bloom in spring, and reblooming varieties will bloom again in summer until fall. Azaleas, as seen in the Garden‘s spectacular new Azalea Garden, provide home gardeners with wonderful spring color that extends from April into July (depending on the species).Evergreen azaleas provide year-round interest while deciduous azaleas often offer multi-seasonal appeal and lovely fall foliage. How far apart should the plants be spaced? QUESTION: When should Encore azaleas be fertilized and with what?Since they bloom continuously, should there be a modification to the usual azalea feeding schedule? If it's all brown instead of green on all of the stems, it's dead. I dug several up and moved them over 20 miles away. Azaleas should be planted at or above the depth at which they grew in the container or nursery. I would, "I am a keen gardener but unsure of some plants and I bought an azalea. Before selecting your azaleas, decide how they will be used in the landscape—mass plantings, hedges, foundation plants, borders, container specimen, etc. Now I think I can actually do this, and the azaleas will live to tell the tale. If you want to drastically change the shape of your azalea, wait until later in the summer. Prune no later than 3 weeks after the blooms have gone - otherwise, you'll be cutting away next year's flower growth. If you prefer smaller plant species, like flowers and shrubs, choose companion plants that prefer partial shade. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Because most azaleas grow best in partial shade, note overhanging trees that provide filtered sunlight, and also note undergrowth that may need trimming to make room for azalea shrubs. Define the garden space by drawing a rough outline on paper of the area you wish to landscape, noting specific spots with the correct light intensity for azaleas – typically shade or dappled sunlight. Last Updated: October 4, 2020 Can azaleas be planted in an area where water stays for a couple of days after rain? If the container fits comfortably in the hole, it is large … Dig a hole that's as deep as the root ball and about 2 times as wide. A woodland area is an ideal planting location for azaleas; it naturally provides the shade and soil the shrub thrives in. See Step 1 to learn how to plant azaleas and keep them healthy for years to come. Azaleas have shallow roots and require a well-drained, acidic soil. Another option is to plant your azalea in a pot or a raised bed, where you can control the soil drainage more easily. Improve the soil with Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs. No, well drained soil is a must with azaleas. If you have clay soil, you can plant your azaleas slightly higher than grade (1 to 2 inches higher). By using our site, you agree to our. Include benches or tables with seating in shady areas so the garden becomes an inviting place to pause and relax. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Plant-Azaleas-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Plant-Azaleas-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Plant-Azaleas-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1328145-v4-728px-Plant-Azaleas-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"