Azalea flowers are the focal point of many gardens. Learn how to make the most of yours with expert azalea bush care tips.
Azalea Bush Care and Growing Tips
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When to Plant Azaleas
Most people purchase azalea bushes in the spring when they’re in bloom. The advantage of buying and planting at this time is that you can see their flower color and arrange their placement accordingly. But summer heat is hard on azaleas, so you’ll have to maintain a regular watering schedule.
Planting azaleas (Rhododendron) in the fall gives the plants more time to get established. But because you’re planting when the azaleas aren’t in bloom, you can’t plan your color scheme quite as easily. Keep in mind you can usually rely on the plant’s label for an idea of flower color.
Where to Plant an Azalea Bush
When planting azaleas, choose a location with dappled shade. They are generally hardy in zones 6 to 9, with some varieties hardy to zone 5.
“While azaleas grow happily in warmer climates, placing them in a sunny location with additional heat re-radiated from buildings or pavement could lead to stress and pest problems,” says Deanna Curtis, New York Botanical Garden senior curator of woody plants. She cites mites and lace bugs as frequent pests on azaleas placed in too-sunny spots.
Azalea Soil Requirements
Azaleas have fibrous, shallow roots. Heavy, wet soil can easily damage those roots and deprive them of oxygen. “Azaleas won’t tolerate wet feet,” says Deanna, “so make sure the soil drains well when watering.”
Phytophthora, or water mold fungus, is a common culprit on over-watered, poorly drained azaleas. It’s much easier to prevent than it is to treat, so choose a location with well-draining soil.
Azaleas like acidic soil and will not tolerate high pH soils, Deanna says. A range of 4.5 to 6.0 is ideal. Signs of high pH (soil that’s more alkaline than acidic) include yellowing leaves, or chlorosis.
If you’re unsure of your soil’s pH, you can test it with an at-home kit or by submitting it to your local extension service.
Apply Mulch in Moderation
Mulch doesn’t just keep your garden and plantings looking neat and orderly; it also protects soil from extreme temperature variations.
Spring is the best time to mulch, although you might want to add a fresh layer in the fall to protect your plants from harsh winter weather. Deanna says to be sure not to pile mulch near the root crown, which could promote crown rot.
Satsuki Azalea Bush Winter Care
“I inherited a Satsuki azalea in my Zone 6 yard, but the plant is listed as Zone 7. The past two winters have been mild, but how do I protect it during a typical cold winter?” asks reader Juli Seyfried.
Gardening expert Melinda Myers says, “Proper care throughout the season is the first step to boosting winter hardiness of any plant. Continue to water your Satsuki azalea as needed throughout the fall season. Spread a 2-to-3-inch layer of wood chips or shredded bark over the soil surface. Pull the mulch back from the stems to reduce the risk of rot.”
Melinda continues, “Satsuki are typically evergreen and benefit from protection from drying winter wind and sun. Put up a burlap screen or wrap the stems in burlap if the plants are susceptible to damage from snow loads. All of this helps reduce the risk of winter damage.”
How to Choose an Azalea Bush
Designing a garden with azaleas is a delight. “In addition to flower color, growth habit and bloom-time are two key factors for choosing azaleas,” says Deanna.
Some plant varieties grow low to the ground and spread out, while others grow tall, wide and round. Play these shapes off one another.
“Most azaleas have a strong presence in the garden when in bloom, displaying many strongly colored flowers, so it’s important to consider what else will be in bloom at the same time,” Deanna says.
Are Azaleas Toxic to Pets?
Azaleas are a sub-group of the rhododendron genus. And while both azaleas and rhododendrons are beautiful to look at, they’re toxic to humans and dangerously poisonous to your pets. If your cat or dog ingests even a small amount of an azalea plant, they will likely experience nausea and diarrhea, and may even die from the plant’s toxins.
Luckily, household pets don’t tend to eat azaleas. But if you happen to raise goats, horses or other livestock animals, keep them far away from your azaleas.
Azalea Bush Companion Plants
Azaleas are an easy plant to grow, and they look great combined with other shrubs and trees that like the same partial shade and acidic, well-draining soil.
“The list is endless,” says Deanna. “The Chilton Azalea Garden at the New York Botanical Garden is planted with dogwoods and witch-hazels, as well as tens of thousands of herbaceous perennials.” The azalea garden is a real stunner when it’s in full bloom!
Prune an Azalea Bush for Shape and Size
Azaleas don’t need to be pruned to thrive, unless you see dead branches that need to be cut back. But in residential yards and gardens, pruning azaleas can help tame their size and shape and contribute to the garden’s overall look.
Prune in the spring before the first buds appear. Once the azaleas have bloomed and flowers have wilted, you can cut off the dead blooms.
How to Fertilize Azaleas
Azaleas don’t typically need fertilizer to thrive. But if your plants are looking less than their best, or they’re showing yellow or curled leaves, then a little fertilizer can give them a boost.
If you’re getting your soil tested, wait for those results and fertilize accordingly. If you don’t test your soil, then choose an all-purpose fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
