How to Pot and Care for an Azalea Tree

Azaleas make attractive potted plants.

Hundreds of different varieties of azaleas exist. Consider your winter low temperature and choose a type that will withstand the weather conditions in your part of the country. An azalea's flower shape and form ranges from the single standard type to forms such as funnel, semi-double or double. Colors range from white to all shades of pink, lavender, orange and red. You can also choose an azalea that blooms early in the season or later. Many azaleas perform well as potted plants.

Things You'll Need

• Pot with drainage hole
• Acidic potting soil
• Peat moss (optional)
• Vermiculite (optional)
• Standard potting soil (optional)
• Coarse builder's sand (optional)
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Select a pot slightly larger than the azalea's nursery pot.

2. Fill your pot about 1/2 full with an acidic potting soil having a pH between 5.5 and 6.0.

3. Remove the azalea from its nursery pot and gently loosen the roots, especially if they're compacted. Set the plant into the larger pot and distribute the roots evenly around the base. Fill to within 1/2 inch of the top with additional acidic potting soil.

4. Keep the potted azalea in an appropriate area of your garden; some varieties can withstand more direct sun, while others need partial or filtered shade.

5. Maintain even moisture of the azalea's soil, and not allowing it to become completely dry.

6. Fertilize potted azaleas sparingly with a slow-release acid-forming granular plant food in spring or fall if a soil test indicates nutrients are lacking. Correct the soil pH if the foliage loses its dark green color.

7. Prune the azalea after it finishes its yearly blooming cycle.

Tips & Warnings

• If your winters are extremely cold, bring your azalea indoors in fall and keep it where it will receive bright indirect sunlight.

• If you want to make your own potting media, use equal amounts of peat moss, vermiculite, standard potting soil and coarse builder's sand.

• Mulch your azalea with organic humus; when it breaks down, it will provide most of the nutrients an azalea needs.

• Do not plant the azalea too deep in the pot because the crown can become rotted.

• Avoid over fertilizing your azalea; if the edges of its leaves appear burned, this symptom can indicate that you have applied an excessive amount of fertilizer.

References

• Azalea Society of America: Frequently Asked Questions
• Univeristy of Alabama Cooperative Extension: Azaleas: Varieties: Hybrids and Native
• Demesne: Growing Azaleas
• U.S National Arboretum: Azaleas