How Far Apart to Plant Azaleas?
Rich in color and texture, azaleas---a member of the rhododendron family---are the perfect addition to any flower garden. Knowing the basics about how, when and where to plant them will better your chances of a healthy return in the form of beautiful garden. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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You can identify and distinguish the azalea from other rhododendrons by the texture of its leaves. Most rhododendrons have a scaled looked on the bottom of the leaves if you examine them closely. Azaleas never have this scaled look and are softer to the touch.
Planting
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According to Clemson University, the proper distance for planting azaleas can be figured by using a simple formula. Add the spread of mature groupings together and divide by the total number of plants. The result should be the distance between the plants. For example, if planting six plants each with a mature spread of 2 feet, plant them 2.4 feet apart.
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Care
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Azaleas are particularly susceptible to disease, so proper care is essential. Avoid overhead watering systems and make sure the plants have proper drainage because too much water in and around the root systems will drown the plant. A word of caution, though: Azaleas do need to have a certain amount of water in the soil around them. Make sure the water saturates the area to a depth of 8 to12 inches, but can still drain properly.
Considerations
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Depending on the which type of azalea you are growing, the optimal conditions can vary greatly. Most varieties are most comfortable in shade, but some are right at home in high sun. Check on the particular strain of azalea when positioning for planting.
Fun Fact
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Koreans produce a traditional alcoholic beverage known as Tugyonju, or azalea wine, from azalea blossoms.
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