Does any one know how to take care of azaleas?

I just bought some azaleas and want to know how to care for them. Are they perennials or are they annuals? How big do they get? I am going to be planting them soon and would like any advise to get the best results from my plants.

Does any one know how to take care of azaleas?
I love these plants, so rewarding!





You can find out about the problems that can happen here:


http://www.azaleas.org/index.pl/azdiseas...





and the most brilliant care sheet is here:


http://www.azaleas.org/index.html





One or two additional tips:


Since they love acid so much, I take pine needles and bury them underground in and around the place where they grow, and ensure only acid-loving plants are there.


Growing them under a acid-causing tree like a pine tree is ideal with some light shade.


Some taller varieties like sun, and lots of it, it depoends on the variety.


I also make sure to sprinkle epson salts around it annually, just a bit, to prevent the leaves going yellow for lack of iron.


All through the year I give mine a high-grade foliar feed, and always amaze any visitors, who swear it%26#039;s only supposed to flower twice a year, mine flower year round, since I protect them in winter with extra mulch (pine needled and I break pine cones up too). I%26#039;ve never had one react to the amount of acidity I give it, for some weird reason.


Mine are all in pots or in my rockery, and they make the most beautiful show when there%26#039;s a variety of them in different sizes and shades, absolutely beautiful!
Reply:They prefer a shady sight, such as the north or east side of your home. It does not have to be dense shade, filtered sunlight or a sight that receives morning sun and afternoon shade will be fine.


Azaleas also like to be protected from the winter winds by a building, slope, evergreen trees or shrubs. This helps them avoid leaf scorch or stem bark splitting.


Azaleas grow best in slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 - 6.0) that has good drainage


To plant an azalea, dig the hole 2x the width of the nursery container or root ball and only as deep to keep the plant stem at the same level as it was growing in the nursery or in your yard. It is better to plant a little shallow than too deep.


Azaleas should be pruned soon after they bloom to avoid cutting off next year’s flower buds.





Hope this helps.
Reply:Be SURE that you have acidic or non-alkaline soil. The correct soil conditions for Azaleas is vital . Woodland ,semi-shaded leafy soils suit well.
Reply:azaleas fall in the category of Shrubs. azaleas bloom in spring. Azaleas grow best in well-drained acidic garden soil or in plant pots, in a cool, shady position. Fertilizer is optional, although some species do need regular pruning. Care must be taken to prevent exposure to drought or other heat related stress conditions associated with full sun exposure. Mulch well around the base of the plant to cover roots, hold in moisture, and protect root ball from sun.





Ground Preparation: Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and fill it with water. If the hole drains within a few hours, you have good drainage. If the water is still standing 12 hours later, improve the drainage in your bed. You may have to take corrective action, perhaps by establishing a raised bed. A soil sample is always a good idea. Azaleas are acid-loving plants, so optimum PH levels in the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5.





Planting: Turn the soil well and dig a hole twice as wide as it is deep. Mix some organic compost or peat moss with the soil. (This is especially important if you have sandy or heavy clay soil.) Remove your Azalea from its container and carefully but firmly loosen the root ball. Set the plant into the hole you’ve prepared, making sure the top of the root ball is above the soil level. Pull your soil around the plant, water thoroughly and cover with mulch.





Spring %26amp; Summer Planting Care: Water your Azalea well when you first plant it, and keep the soil moist until winter. New azaleas will die quickly if the soil dries excessively. Your new Encore Azalea should not need regular watering after the first year unless there are periods of excessive drought. Fertilize with the recommended levels of azalea feed soon after planting. Do not fertilize after August. This fertilizing schedule is highly recommended for areas with sandy soils.








Fall %26amp; Winter Planting Care: Azaleas do well when they are planted at this time. New roots produced in the fall will help the azalea flourish in the next growing season. Although less watering is necessary, do not allow the roots to become dry. Cover your young azalea with insulating covering when extreme cold weather approaches. As your Azalea matures, it will need less winter care. Do not fertilize until after the last frost. When you do fertilize, use azalea feed as directed. This fertilizing schedule is highly recommended in areas with sandy soils.








Pruning: Azaleas require very little pruning to retain good form and do not need %26quot;dead-heading.%26quot; If you think your Azalea needs pruning, do so immediately after the spring flowering for maximum bud set. Light pruning of more established plants will stimulate growth and flowering.








Spacing: Azaleas should be planted the same width apart as the mature dimensions specify. This measurement should be taken from the center of one plant to the center of the other. For example: Autumn Angel%26#039;s mature dimensions are 3 feet wide. In order to have mature Autumn Angel Encore Azaleas bunched next to each other, you should plant them 3 feet apart, starting at the center of one plant and measuring to the center of the other. If you would like space between your azaleas, you should separate them by more than the mature width dimensions.





Brown foliage can be an indicator of over-fertilizing and under-watering



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