How do you care for evergreen azaleas?

How to Grow Azaleas

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

What is the best fertilizer for azalea bushes?

If you don’t test the soil, select a general, balanced fertilizer such as 15-15-15. The numbers refer to the proportionate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the product. The nutrient your azalea is most likely to need is nitrogen. This also encourages the shrub to grow faster.

When should I feed my azalea bush?

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.

How often should I feed azaleas?

We suggest using Fertilome Azalea, Rhododendron, Camellia Food which should to be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season between flowering in spring and bud set in early fall. Liquid fertilizers can be applied as a supplement, but we highly suggest a slow release granular-based fertilizer for outdoor shrubs.

What month do you plant azaleas?

The best time to plant azaleas is in spring and fall. Plant them in a sunny spot that gets a good amount of afternoon shade. When planting azaleas, fill the hole with a 50/50 blend of existing soil and Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs.

Is Miracle Grow good for 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.

Are banana peels good for azaleas?

Encourage Blooming in Plants The banana peels have a high concentration of potassium- the key nutrient that plants need to form big and bright blooms. Potassium also facilitates the transfer of nutrients and water between plant cells and protects them from diseases.

How do you encourage azaleas to grow?

Cut plants back to 12 inches above the ground. When the plants begin to re-grow, prune the ends of the new growth back by 6 inches to encourage branching. Always keep the soil evenly moist and feed regularly with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food after renewal pruning.

Is Epsom salt good for azaleas?

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.

When do I plant azaleas outdoors?

Azaleas are commonly planted outside during the spring and fall. Container-grown azaleas are placed in the ground whenever the soil is workable as long as there is plenty of water to keep the root area moist. Azaleas ready for spring planting are usually in flower so you can see what the shrub will look like.

Where to plant an azalea?

Azaleas prefer to grow in acidic soil; under taller shrubs and trees. A woodland area is an ideal planting location for azaleas; it naturally provides the shade and soil the shrub thrives in.

Can indoor azaleas be planted outside?

Keepsake azaleas are a special, potted variety of azalea designed for growing indoors. While you can plant your keepsake azalea outside, it is unlikely the plant will survive a cold winter.

How often do azaleas bloom?

Typically azaleas will bloom in the springtime, although a select breed has been bred to bloom more frequently. The breed known as the Encore series will bloom twice a year, usually once in the spring and again in autumn.