Good Azalea Care Azaleas, Noteworthy Shrubs For Any Garden

What is a good companion plant for azaleas?

Partner azaleas in the garden with woodland perennials such as ferns, wild ginger (Asarum), Solomon's seal (Polygonatum), hosta (Hosta), toad lily (Tricyrtis), and many others. Combine azaleas with other flowering shrubs.

How do you make Azalea bushier?

To maintain a more compact appearance or simply to encourage bushier growth, trim azaleas after their blooming period has expired. Taking time to trim azaleas by cutting back the branches of these shrubs will also help renew overgrown plants.

Are coffee grounds good for azalea bushes?

Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. And if your soil is already high in nitrogen, the extra boost from coffee grounds could stunt the growth of fruits and flowers.

Do azalea bushes like sun or shade?

In their native habitats, azaleas are often found growing in or on the edge of woodlands in well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. They have a shallow, fibrous root system, which needs to be considered when caring for them. Azaleas do well in full sun or part shade (about four hours of sun).

Do azaleas like Epsom salts?

Shrubs, including azaleas and rhododendrons, can benefit from an Epsom salt feed once a month, while trees can be treated with Epsom salts around three times each year.

Where do azaleas grow in sun or shade?

Azaleas prefer a little sun and a little shade. Plant them in blazing hot sun and they may suffer leaf scorch or become targets for leaf-sucking pests, such as spider mites and lace bugs. Plant them in dense shade and they won't bloom.

How do you rejuvenate old azaleas?

When rejuvenating an azalea or rhododendron, fertilize the year before to prepare the plant and then fertilize again in spring (end of April) after the hard pruning to stimulate growth. For smaller azaleas, use bypass pruners to make the cuts. For larger jobs, you may need a folding saw or a pair of loppers.

Can I use Miracle Grow on azaleas?

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food is a special plant food designed for acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, dogwoods, magnolias, gardenias, orchids and all evergreens. ... Won't harm other plants or burn foliage when used as directed. Formerly known as Miracid.

How do you keep azaleas blooming?

How Do I Get Azaleas To Produce More Blooms

Ensure the plants are getting enough sunlight.
Deadhead spent blooms each year.
Fertilize after blooming using a balanced fertilizer.
Apply a layer of mulch and provide sufficient moisture to the plants.
Protect the plants during harsh winters.

Are eggshells good for azaleas?

Eggshells can also be used as planters for small seedlings and be put directly in the ground for planting. ... They are particularly useful on those plants for which you would apply an 'acid food' such as evergreens, azaleas, roses, camellias, avocados, and certain fruit trees.

Do Azaleas need a lot of water?

Azaleas like to be kept moist, but not soggy. Always water deeply when you do water. ... During the summer, in hot, sunny areas, you may need to water every three or four days. When in doubt, don't water--azaleas can tolerate dry soil much better than soggy soil.

What time of year do you feed azaleas?

Fertilize established azaleas in early spring and again 12 to 16 weeks later, and you'll provide the nutrients they need for the year. Broadcast the fertilizer over the area under your shrubs and out about 6 inches past the branch tips; then water the entire area well.

Where is the best place to plant an azalea?

Where to Plant Azaleas. Select a location that has morning sun and afternoon shade, or filtered light. Hot all-day sun can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to pests. Azaleas also require well-drained, acidic soil.

How long does an azalea plant live?

Azalea bushes can live for 50 years with proper care. Azaleas are a subgenus of flowering shrubs that can grow up to 6 feet in height and produce numerous large flowers in colors of pink, purple, red or white. They bloom during the spring and can be deciduous or evergreen, depending on the species.

What is the best way to grow azaleas?

How to Grow Azaleas

Provide well-drained, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic (pH 4.5–6).
Mulch well. Shallow-rooted, azaleas tend to dry out quickly if not mulched. ...
Fertilizer isn't needed. ...
Seldom bothered by insects and diseases, azaleas require little care once established, except for watering during dry times.

Can I sprinkle Epsom salt around plants?

Epsom salts are pH neutral and gentle on plants, including potted houseplants. To boost nutrient intake, mix two tablespoons of Epsom salts with one gallon of water and spray onto leaves, rather than onto the roots, for maximum absorption.

Should you Deadhead azaleas bushes?

Depending on the type of azaleas you have, deadheading (removing the spent blossoms) may encourage the plant to produce beautiful new flowers. If you have a deciduous azalea, then you may deadhead the flowers. If you have an evergreen azalea or rhododendron, then you typically will not deadhead the flowers.

Is vinegar good for azaleas?

Give your rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, and your garden a little help by watering them with a white distilled vinegar solution now and then. A cup of vinegar to a gallon of tap water will do the trick. ... Your cut flowers will last longer by adding 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar to a quart of water.

How far apart should you plant azaleas?

How to Plant Rhododendron & Azaleas

Plant in spring or early fall.
Space plants 2 to 6 feet apart, depending on their estimated mature size. ...
Set new plants so that their top roots are at soil level or slightly below.

Why is my azalea not growing?

Azaleas require moist soil so persistent drought can have a detrimental affect, causing stunted growth and a lack of blooms. Prepare soil with organic matter before azalea planting, use and application of mulch and water as much as required to keep the soil moist and avoid drought.

Are azaleas poisonous to dogs?

#12 Azalea/Rhododendron

These common flowering shrubs are poisonous plants for dogs and produce serious gastrointestinal issues. They can additionally cause weakness, discoordination, and weak heart rate. Potentially fatal.