The Care of Azaleas
Azalea blooms generally last two weeks during the growing season. The perennial shrubs bloom in the spring in a wide range of pastel colors, such as purple and pink. Once the azaleas are established in an area, they will continue to grow for years. An azalea can reach 5 to 7 feet tall. You can control the growth of the plant with regular pruning. Azaleas thrive in acidic soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.0. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select a partially shaded location. Plant azalea shrubs under a pine tree if you can because it will protect them from heavy rain and wind. Avoid planting azaleas under hardwood trees with shallow roots because the azaleas will have to compete for nutrients.
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Spread 3 inches of mulch at least 6 inches from the main azalea stem. The mulch will keep the soil moist while keeping away weeds.
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Prune the azalea after it finishes blooming. Remove dead wood and old shoots. Pick the debris off the ground, and place it in a compost or trash bin. Leaving the pruned material around the plant may cause a fungal disease.
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Water azaleas with an inch of water a week. During dry weather, water the plants twice a week. Reduce watering when rainfall occurs. Avoid watering the soil too much, because soggy soil can lead to root rot.
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Apply fertilizer to the azaleas if growth halts. When the leaves drop and change colors, the azaleas may not be receiving enough nutrients. Apply a 15-5-15 fertilizer according to the directions on the package.
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Tips & Warnings
Water azaleas at the ground level to prevent fungal diseases from growing on the leaves and buds.
References
- North Dakota State University; Questions on: Azalea; Ron Smith
- Clemson Cooperative Extension; Azalea Care; Debbie Shaughnessy, et al; September 2000
- East Texas Gardening; Azalea; Paul Ferguson
- University of Florida IFAS Extension; Azaleas for Florida; Dewayne L. Ingram, et al; July 1990
- University of Missouri Extension; Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons; Christopher J. Starbuck
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Comments
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Trying not to kill my little bush from Valentines Day. My avocado already died and I started it from the pit of one I had eaten. It was 18-19 months old. A moment of silence Please.
