Azaleas are some of the most popular flowering shrubs for gardens in the South. With their stunning blooms in vibrant shades of pink, red, purple, orange yellow and white it’s easy to see why. When azaleas are happy, they can put on an incredible floral display that makes them the belle of the garden.
If you want to grow these beauties in your own outdoor space, here are my top tips for getting the most out of azaleas and creating a gorgeous garden filled with their flowers:
Pick the Right Spot
Azaleas need a location with:
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Partial sun – They prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much sun can scorch leaves.
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Good drainage – Wet feet will cause root rot. Raised beds work well to improve drainage.
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Shelter – Protection from strong winds helps prevent damage to flowers and branches,
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Acidic soil – Aim for a pH between 4.5-6.0. I recommend getting a soil test kit to check pH.
The east or north side of your home is often an ideal azalea-growing spot. Under the dappled shade of tall trees is another good choice.
Prepare the Soil
Azaleas have very shallow roots, so take time to create an ideal soil environment. Here’s how:
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Dig in 2-4 inches of organic matter like compost or leaf mold. This acidifies soil and retains moisture.
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If soil is heavy clay, add expanded shale to improve drainage. For sandy soil, mix in organic peat moss.
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Mulch well after planting with 2-3 inches of pine needles or oak leaves. This helps maintain soil moisture and acidity.
Select Varieties Wisely
With thousands of azalea varieties, pick ones suited to your climate and landscape needs:
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Most evergreen types only thrive in Zone 6 and warmer. Deciduous varieties are hardier.
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Dwarf varieties like ‘Joseph Hill’ work great as compact foundation plants or in rock gardens.
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For a tall backdrop, plant white azalea ‘Alba’ which can reach 20 feet.
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Late bloomers like ‘Sweet September’ and ‘Flame Creeper’ extend the floral show into summer.
Give Them a Drink
Azaleas have shallow roots and need frequent watering. Prioritize these watering tips:
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Water deeply 2-3 times per week in summer, less in cooler months.
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Wet the whole root zone, not just surface. Sprinklers work better than drip irrigation.
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Water in the morning so leaves dry out by night to prevent disease.
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Mulch after watering to lock in moisture.
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Hot climates may need daily watering. Check soil moisture before adding more.
Feed Judiciously
As acid-lovers, azaleas get all the nutrients they need from an acidic soil and mulch. But if leaves yellow between veins, a boost of fertilizer can help:
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Use fertilizers formulated specifically for azaleas, like Holly-Tone or Miracle-Gro.
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Apply in early spring after blooming and again in midsummer. Avoid feeding right before blooms.
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Always follow product instructions carefully to avoid burn. More is NOT better!
Prune Purposefully
Pruning keeps azaleas shapely and blooming their best. Do it right by:
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Pruning right after spring flowers fade, no later than mid-June. Later pruning removes next year’s flower buds.
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Removing dead or damaged branches at any time.
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Cutting leggy plants back to induce bushy new growth from the roots.
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Shaping plants and maintaining size annually so pruning isn’t drastic.
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Disinfecting pruners between plants to prevent disease spread.
Protect Against Problems
When properly sited and cared for, azaleas are relatively pest and disease free. But watch for:
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Lace bugs – Check leaf undersides for yellow stippling. Use insecticidal soap sprays.
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Petal blight – Remove and destroy infected flowers. Improve air circulation.
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Root rot – Ensure good drainage. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
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Leaf gall – Prune off galls before larvae hatch. Destroy pruned branches.
Enjoy the Show!
With the right growing conditions, azaleas will reward you with an abundance of colorful, fragrant blooms year after year. Mulch them, water them, and prune them with care and you’ll be enjoying these garden divas for decades to come.
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When to prune azaleas
- Prune within three weeks of blooming to allow time for next years flower buds to form.
- Double-blooming azaleas like Doubleshot® Azaleas bloom on both old and new wood, so pruning outside the ideal window may result in fewer spring blooms but still produce summer blooms on new growth.
Note: Double-blooming azaleas, like Double Shot® Azaleas, bloom on both old and new wood. So if you miss the ideal window to prune the old wood you may have fewer blooms in the spring. Although youll still have the blooms in the summer on the new growth.
Common Azalea Questions or Challenges
You shouldn’t have many problems if you care for your azaleas as outlined above. They are extremely hardy and easy to take care of. However, as with all plants, you could run into a number of problems or have some questions about their health. The questions that my clients ask me about most are outlined below.
How to Grow & Care for Azaleas – Keep Your Plants Healthy & Blooming Year After Year
FAQ
How can I make my azaleas grow better?
What do azaleas need to thrive?
How do I make my azaleas grow fuller?