Azaleas are a common and beautiful family of flowering shrubs. They are part of the rhododendron family, and there is a huge number of varieties to choose from for your garden. They have been cultivated for centuries. Evergreen Azaleas are native to Asia but grown all over the world usually in climate zones 6 through 9. Deciduous Azaleas are native to Asia, Europe, and North America. These are a bit more cold hardy and can be grown as far north as climate zone 4. These beautiful shrubs produce beautiful flowers, and in most cases grow best in shade or partial shade.
The pot should be about as wide as the foliage, move to a larger pot as it grows
If you want to grow azaleas, the seed pods can be harvested in the late spring. The seed pod will start to turn brown in October or November. Once they have lost any green color, pick several and put them in a paper bag. Keep the bag sealed shut for a few weeks, to allow them to fully dry. They should split open, and the seed can be shaken out. These seeds will be ready to be planted in a few weeks, and it’s best to start them inside in winter, as already discussed.
Azaleas started from seed can vary somewhat in appearance from the parent plant, especially the open-pollinated types, when there are different varieties of azaleas or rhododendrons nearby. Those started from cuttings will grow up just like the parent plant in color and general appearance. They are easy to grow either way, and both will be beautiful. Seeds should be harvested in the fall and started in winter. Scatter the seeds over a shallow flat container, with drainage, in a mixture of sand and peat moss, or naturally acidic garden soil. Cover lightly. While germinating, water by gently spraying, and keep under grow lights or well-lit by sunlight from the windows. When they start to sprout, transfer the small seedlings to pots once they have a few leaves. Cuttings should be started in smaller pots at least 6 inches in diameter, and allowed to root and grow a bit over the winter.
For garden azaleas, pick the spot to grow them carefully. Azaleas need shade, they don’t do their best in full sunlight. They started as forest undergrowth, so planting them under a tree is a good idea, especially for those that also prefer acidic soil, like Red Oaks. They do well as decorative plants along a walk or in front of your house as well, just be sure that they can get a little sun but are well-shaded for a portion of the day. It’s important to pick an area where the soil drains well. Choose a variety that is good for your area, since there are some climate limitations to consider. The colors vary widely. Pick your favorite colors and a variety that will reach full growth at a size that works for your garden. These plants are often characterized as perennials, but they don’t die off and come back in the spring, they are permanent shrubs that are either evergreen or deciduous.
Azaleas also need space. They should be planted 48 inches apart, so they have room to grow to full size. Some types are sometimes grown closer together, as close as 36 inches apart to form a hedge. The healthiest types are grown as separate shrubs, and will still be a nice edge to a yard or garden in a long row. Mixed loamy and sandy acidic soil is really the best, with some good organic compost mixed in. Azaleas are hardy plants that don’t need fertilizer, but if you do use fertilizer at all, discontinue its use in the fall and winter. Mulch, on the other hand, is essential. This will keep the soil moist and protect the root system which is shallow but wide. The roots grow near the surface of the soil, about one foot deep, in total, and usually are about as wide as the surface plant.
Companion plants for azaleas include Hydrangeas, Hostas, Blueberries, and Holly. A good tree to plant azaleas under is a Red Oak. These trees have profoundly deep roots and also require acidic soil. The oak foliage will provide the perfect shady spot for them too, and with the azalea shallow root system, they work very well together! It’s usually hard to plant azaleas near vegetable garden beds since most herbs and veggies require full sun, which is not the best thing for these shrubs.
Azaleas are poisonous, and it’s important to keep your pets and children from eating any part of these plants, though this is more of a problem with livestock, like horses or goats, which are more likely to try to eat them. They can also be a skin irritant, so when pruning these, wear gloves. There are some herbal extracts made from azalea, as well, but research any of these carefully!
Azaleas are incredibly popular flowering shrubs, prized for their dazzling colors and ability to bloom in spring, summer or fall depending on variety With proper spacing, azaleas can create a spectacular floral display while also remaining healthy and vigorous However, overcrowding azaleas can lead to weak growth, more disease problems, and fewer blooms. That’s why spacing is so crucial when planting azaleas in your garden.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about azalea spacing, including ideal distance between plants, factors to consider, and creative spacing ideas to design an eye-catching azalea garden Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy azaleas that thrive year after year
How Far Apart to Space Azaleas
The appropriate spacing for azaleas depends on the expected mature size of the particular variety you choose. Larger azalea varieties require more room to spread out. Here are some general spacing guidelines:
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Small azaleas (2-3 ft spread) 18-24 inches apart
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Medium azaleas (3-4 ft spread): 24-36 inches apart
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Large azaleas (4-6 ft spread): 36-48 inches apart
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Azalea hedges: Set plants equal to the expected mature spread, such as 36 inches apart for a 3 foot wide variety.
As a rule of thumb, allow at least 18-24 inches between smaller azaleas, and 3-4 feet between larger varieties. You want ample space for growth without the plants crowding each other.
Spacing Factors to Consider
Along with the azalea’s expected size, also consider these factors when deciding on plant spacing:
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Sunlight exposure – Azaleas planted in full sun often require wider spacing.
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Air circulation – Allow more open space between azaleas for good air movement to prevent diseases.
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View of blooms – Wider spacing lets you appreciate the flowers better without blocked views.
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Maintenance access – Space plants far enough to easily reach inside for pruning and care.
Adjust spacing as needed to accommodate these factors, allowing a bit more room if possible.
Creative Azalea Spacing Ideas
Beyond uniform rows, there are many creative ways to space azaleas in your landscape:
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Informal clumps – Plant small groups of 3-5 azaleas spaced closely together with open areas between clumps.
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Wavy rows – Gently curve your rows for a more natural effect. Vary plant distances.
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Mixed sizes – Blend larger azaleas with smaller ones for varied heights and shapes.
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Borders – Edge beds and walkways with a continuous line of compact azaleas.
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Containers – Use azaleas individually or in groupings in pots and planters.
Experiment with these designs and more to develop unique azalea garden beds and borders.
Planting Well-Spaced Azaleas
When planting, follow these tips to space your azaleas appropriately:
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Lay out plants in the desired spacing before digging holes. Step back and visualize maturity size.
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Check that plants have proper clearance from structures, pathways, driveways and other plants.
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Dig holes at least twice the width of the root ball with sloped sides to encourage spreading roots.
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Place azaleas at the same depth they were growing in the nursery container. Do not plant too deeply.
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Water thoroughly after planting. Topdress with 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture.
Key Takeaways on Azalea Spacing
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Allow 18-24 inches between smaller varieties and 3-4 feet for larger azaleas.
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Consider the mature spread, sunlight, airflow, visibility and maintenance access when spacing.
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Get creative with informal clumps, curved rows, mixed sizes, borders and containers.
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Set plants at the proper depth and water well after planting properly spaced azaleas.
By following these azalea spacing guidelines, you can highlight the gorgeous blooms, promote plant health, and create stunning azalea displays in your garden. Space your azaleas generously, and they will flourish and wow!
Azalea Pests and Diseases
Nutrition is really important for azaleas, it’s important to note that sometimes soil that is not sufficiently acidic can cause the plant to not be able to get enough nutrients, especially iron. It’s uncommon for there to be a major problem, though it can happen sometimes. The most common pests include bark scales, leaf miners, stem borers, vine weevils, and lace bugs, all with specific species particular to azaleas and rhododendrons. Plant diseases include some familiar fungal infections like powdery mildew and leaf spot. Botryosphaeria canker is the most common fungal problem. Petal blight and leaf gall can also be minor issues. For the most part, these will not be major issues, azaleas are typically resistant to diseases and pests.
Azaleas are a great decorative shrub for most yards, and really add some brilliant beautiful color to some shady spots that would otherwise be unnoticed!
If you want to plan your azalea garden before planting, give our garden planner Hortisketch a try!
How to Grow & Care for Azaleas – Keep Your Plants Healthy & Blooming Year After Year
FAQ
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