How to Grow Climbing Azaleas
Azaleas are a type of flowering shrub that is part of the rhododendron family. Azaleas traditionally grow in flowerbeds and pots, but you can train the climbing azalea grow along a fence or trellis. Learning to plant and care for the climbing azalea is not much different from learning to care for a traditional azalea. Plant climbing azalea in the spring after the last frost. Most varieties of climbing azaleas can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, through much of the country except the warmest and coolest regions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant Climbing Azalea
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Choose a partially shaded area near a fence or trellis for the climbing azalea. Dig a hole twice the size of the container the azalea came in.
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Remove the azalea clipping from the container and gently untangle the roots.
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Lower the azalea clipping into the hole. Fill the hole halfway with soil. Lightly water the freshly covered roots, then fill the rest of the hole with soil. Water your azalea again to remove any air bubbles in the soil.
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Mound the dirt around the base of the azalea clipping to give your plant more stability. Tie the climbing azalea loosely to the fence or trellis with string. Remove the string after the climbing azalea begins wrapping around the fence or trellis by itself.
Maintain Climbing Azalea
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Water your climbing azalea at least once a week to ensure the soil stays moist. Turn a garden hose on a slow drip and water for approximately 20 minutes to allow the moisture to sink deep into the soil. Water immediately if the top 3 inches of the soil are dry.
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Fertilize the climbing azalea in the spring after it has flowered. Fertilize again two months later, and then again in the early fall. Use a chemical fertilizer specially formulated for azaleas and rhododendrons. If you prefer natural fertilizers, use manure or fish emulsion, or a specially blended organic fertilizer.
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Prune the climbing azalea after it has finished blooming, usually in the late spring or early summer. Deadhead the climbing azalea flowers by pinching or snipping off any dead blossoms. Remove dead or diseased branches as necessary. No additional pruning is required.
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Tips & Warnings
Climbing azaleas prefer acidic soil. Test the pH of your soil if you're unsure of its acidity. Climbing azaleas grow best in soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.0.
Add additional supports for your climbing azaleas whenever necessary.
Do not to overfertilize your climbing azalea. Fertilizing too often can burn or kill your plant.
