Azaleas (Rhododendron) contain over 800 800 species and 10,000 types. Native to Asia and North America, azaleas are extensively developed as crops and landscape shrubs. Most of the time, potted azaleas are labeled by colour, including “double crimson.” Taking care of an azalea is comparable whether it’s a cultivar or a North American indigenous while there are hybrids that match that basic description.
Select an area in the backyard with well-draining soil, ideally in shade under trees that are bigger. The north-side of your home is a place that is great. In case your soil drains badly or is a large clay, consider creating an elevated bed for sufficient drainage.
Remove undesirable vegetation in the garden bed. Shred and add greenery. Place weeds like thistles in the bin for disposal.
Spread 3 to 4 inches of compost on the garden bed. Also include one to two inches of peat moss, in case the pH stability of your soil is alkaline or neutral. Dig the soil being one foot to the backyard bed, mixed with all by the amendments.
Dig a planting hole twice the width also to the same depth. Fill the hole with water and let it soak into the soil. Plant azaleas 24 to 48-inches apart, with respect to the dimensions of the shrub that is mature.
Remove the azalea in the grower’s pot. Unwind the rootball being encircled by any roots and trim decaying or damaged roots. Place the azalea in the planting hole, spreading the roots within the soil. Backfill, tamping across the rootball.
The drip-watering method in accordance with the directions of the manufacturer’s, with one emitter per azalea. Water when the soil is dry to the touch, usually twice a week.
Add 2″ of mulch throughout the azalea, pulling it straight back 4″ in the stem. Use wood-chips or pine needles, like fir or redwood, to steadily improve the acidity of soil as the mulch decomposes.
Pinch again following the azalea finishes flowering, or prune in the spring. Prune to open the heart of the shrub up, enabling air blood circulation to prevent rust and mildew infections. Pruning in cold temperatures; the flower buds kind within the summer and fall.
Monitor the azalea for pests including aphids, caterpillars, spider mites and white-flies. Pests are easily removed in serious infestations a credit card applicatoin of a oil like neem oil might be necessary; nevertheless, using a powerful spray of water.
When tough frosts are in the forecast cover azaleas with plastic or bed-sheets. Azaleas’ hardiness differ, with respect to the cultivar.