We, the azaleas, thrive in the dappled sunlight beneath the tall pines and hardwoods of the Southern landscape. Our ideal home mimics this natural environment. Please plant us where we will receive morning sun and afternoon shade, or in a spot with filtered light all day. The intense, scorching afternoon sun of a Southern summer will burn our delicate leaves and fade our beautiful flowers. Shelter us from harsh, drying winds which can desiccate our foliage, and ensure we are in well-drained soil. We absolutely despise having our roots sitting in constant water, as this will lead to a fatal case of root rot.
Our most specific demand is for acidic soil, with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. This is non-negotiable. Alkaline soil locks away essential nutrients like iron, leading to chlorosis—a yellowing of our leaves with green veins that weakens us significantly. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as our root ball but only as deep. Amend the native soil with a generous amount of organic matter like peat moss, compost, or finely ground pine bark to ensure it is loose, acidic, and moisture-retentive yet well-draining. Please do not plant us too deep; the top of our root ball should be slightly above the soil level to ensure good oxygen flow to our roots.
We have fine, shallow roots that dry out quickly, especially in the heat. Consistent moisture is the key to our happiness, but we are not aquatic plants. Water us deeply and thoroughly, allowing the water to soak into the root zone. Then, let the top inch of soil dry out slightly before watering again. A layer of organic mulch, such as pine straw or shredded bark, is immensely beneficial. It keeps our roots cool, conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and gradually acidifies the soil as it decomposes. Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, but keep it a few inches away from our main stem to prevent rot.
Feed us with a fertilizer formulated specifically for acid-loving plants, such as camellias and azaleas. These blends contain the right balance of nutrients, including the ammonium form of nitrogen we prefer, and they help maintain soil acidity. The best time to feed us is in early spring, just as our new growth begins, and then again immediately after our spring bloom cycle is finished. Please avoid fertilizing us late in the growing season, as this can stimulate tender new growth that will be damaged by an early frost. Always water thoroughly after applying fertilizer.
The optimal time to prune us is within a few weeks after our flowers fade in the spring. We set our flower buds for the next year in the summer, so late pruning will remove these future blooms. Simply snap off the spent flower heads (deadheading) by hand to encourage bushier growth. For shaping or size control, use sharp pruners to make cuts just above a set of leaves. This practice directs our energy into producing lush foliage and an abundance of flower buds for the following spectacular display, rather than into producing seed.
