How to Plant Azalea Bushes
Plant Guide
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Azalea bushes are easily one of the most popular shrubs in the United States. It is popular to plant azaleas in mass as a hedge for maximum effect and blossoms. While some Azaleas have a relatively short spring bloom time, Encore Azaleas, such as the stunning Autumn Starburst bloom in both the spring and the fall.
With many azalea varieties to choose from, you can easily find one that will match the size and style that you are looking for to enhance your landscape.
Ground Rules
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Light
Azaleas will thrive best when planted in a location that receives sun in the morning, but a break from the afternoon sun. Direct all-day sun may scorch the azalea flowers.
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Water
Azalea shrubs have shallow leaves. This means they do not have deep roots that can search for water in times of drought. This means that you need to keep the soil moist. However, adjust the watering schedule depending on where your azalea is planted. If your shrub receives full sun and you are in a warmer climate, water more often and less often vise versa for shady cool areas.
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Food
Azalea Shrubs grow best when fertilized lightly in the spring once frost has passed with a well-balanced, extended-release fertilizer such as Espoma Holly-tone. Fertilize Azaleas again 6 to 8 weeks later to encourage extra flowers or faster growth of young shrubs. Either chemical fertilizers or organic matter can be used successfully with Azalea Shrubs. Since an organic method of applying manure and/or compost around the roots produces excellent results and improves the condition of the soil, this would be an excellent first line of attack. Organic additions to the soil can be combined with a shot of chemical fertilizer for maximum effect. If chemical fertilizers are used on your Azalea Shrubs, applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once a year is probably the simplest solution.
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Temperature
Azaleas are notitably not cold hardy. Some varieties are hardy down to grow zone 5, others unfortunately are not. Generally, they are hardy between 30 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Toxicity
Azaleas are known to be toxic to both humans and pets. The danger is in their honet that is produced in the blossoms. Although severe injury is not likely, be sure to keep this shrub away from pets and children.
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Mulch
We highly recommend that you mulch your Azalea Shrubs with either a ground hardwood mulch or a ground cypress mulch depending on your local availability. Any mulch will do, but cypress or hardwood mulch will be of a higher quality. They will also provide better nutrition overall as they break down. Mulching helps keep weeds away that compete with your new investment for water and nutrients. A 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch is sufficient but remember to take care not to cover any part of the stem with mulch. It's better to leave a one-inch gap of space between the mulch and the stem or trunk of the plant.
Why Are My Azaleas Not Blooming?
If you notice your flowers are not blooming their best it could be because of various factors. Your plant could be getting too little sun exposure. They love the morning sun, so they should be planted where they will always be underneath the morning sunshine. If your plants grow too large, you also might want to prune back to all more sun to filter through.
They could also not be receiving enough water. You must keep a consistent watering schedule throughout the growing season. An inch of water a week is perfect. You could also have inclement weather that is not doing any favors for your plant.
Do Encore Azaleas Lose Their Leaves In The Winter?
Encore Azaleas are evergreen shrubs! Meaning they will have leaves year-round. It is normal for them to lose a few here and there, not to worry! Encores have medium-to-dark green foliage and in the winter their foliage can turn to a bronzy-burgundy color. In between seasons, it is natural for them to lose a few leaves or flowers. This is the plant preparing for growing season or dormancy season.
Can I Use Coffee Grounds With Azalea Shrubs?
Coffee grounds that have already gone through the brewing process are considered moderately to highly acidic. Coffee grounds provide a natural means of maintaining the low pH levels Azalea Shrubs prefer, particularly if alkalinity is a concern. However, soil pH has a tendency to change because cultural conditions change daily. For the most accurate results, home gardeners should retest their balanced soil with an at-home soil pH kit immediately before applying amendments. If soil is already at the lowest end of the acidity range, the use of coffee grounds is unnecessary. However, if pH has risen, the grounds help decrease that number. In addition, coffee grounds may help suppress fungal plant diseases, according to the Washington State University Puyallup Research & Extension.
Why Are My Azaleas Turning Brown?
When your azalea blossoms turn brown, the first thing to look at is cultural care. Azaleas are generally healthy plants if you follow proper planting tips. Too much or too little water, the wrong soil, etc. may be browning flowers. Azaleas usually like to dabble in the sun, love acidic, well-draining soil, and a deep soaking every week during the growing season. Your azalea could also be suffering from Petal Bright. Petal Bright is a disease that comes when the weather is cool and wet. You will notice water-soaked spots on the petals turning them brown. Your plant could also be suffering from Lace bugs they leave the leaves speckled grey or white. Leafhoppers are known for causing fungus that turns foliage brown on plants. To get rid of pests, try spraying your plant with water first before going to a pesticide full of chemicals.
How Do I Prune My Azalea Shrub?
Azalea Blaauw's Pink Shrubs, commonly known as Deciduous Azaleas, are closely related to our native rhododendrons. This deciduous shrub is known for its brilliant summer display of vibrant blooms in early to mid-summer. The flowers bloom during the previous season's growth, so you must wait to prune until blooms expire to avoid cutting off the developing flower buds.
Popular Colors of Azaleas:
