The Korean Azalea, or Rhododendron yedoense, an evergreen shrub hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture Zone 4, bears pink and lilac-coloured flowers that improve the attractiveness of your lawn. Azaleas require -rich soil to prosper and has its share of issues with pests. However, you never need to resort to pesticides and chemical fertilizers to treatment for your Azalea. Organic, Chemical Free remedies provide you with a healthful plant without harming the atmosphere, and work just as nicely.
Raise or lower the pH of your soil. Azaleas prefer a soil pH between 5.0 and 5.5. The soil pH is raised by wood ashes but use no more than 2 lbs of wood ashes for 100-square feet of soil. To lower pH, use 5 lbs of manure, 2.5 lbs of peat moss or 1-4 pounds of compost per square yard.
The azalea where it is going to receive filtered sunlight or morning sunshine through the afternoon. Too much sunlight stresses the azalea, making it challenging for the plant to conquer pest or illness issues.
Increase the fungi in the soil and mix 1 gallon of water with 1-ounce of molasses and spray the mixture on the leaves and stems of the plant to supply carbon.
Fertilize the Azalea. Use three or two handfuls of natural fertilizer that is industrial, if preferred. Repeat fertilization in early to mid-summer. Avoid fertilizing azaleas soon after after planting; the soil generally contains enough nutrients to maintain them.
Provide a mulch before winter arrives to guard the shallow roots of the plant in the weather. Use 3 to 4 inches of oak leaves, straw or pine needles. If mulching with wood chips or sawdust, use a covering 2″ thick.
Spray a natural fungicide containing neem oil to remove rust and mildew. Use a dusting of cornmeal to handle Phytophthora root rot.
Combine 1 ounce of soybean oil or oil with 1-gallon of water to handle azaleas for pests. The oil mixture on either side of the leaves and stems to eliminate insects that are related and bugs.
Handpick huge bugs out of your Azalea when they are seen by you. Put bugs in a plate of of warm water to destroy them.
Invite lady bugs, predatory wasps and praying mantises to the garden. These bugs prefer to consume pests that trouble azaleas. Nurseries frequently market their eggs or these bugs.