How do you take care of an azalea in NZ?

Apply a thick layer of mulch in late winter and again in January. Keep mulch away from the stem as this can lead to rot and pests. Camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas have a natural compact growth habit and do not require regular pruning and they are ideal as a hedge or topiary.

Where is the best place to plant an azalea bush?

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.

What is the best month to plant azaleas?

spring
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. Once planted, gently tamp the soil and water thoroughly.

Where do azaleas grow in New Zealand?

Azalea Brilliance The blooms are delightfully fragrant and are followed by fresh green summer foliage. Plant in sun or semi-shade in acid soil for best results. Avoid Lime. Deciduous.

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.

How late can I plant azaleas?

The best time to plant azaleas is in late spring or early fall. Evergreen azaleas do well in partial shade with some wind protection. Deciduous varieties flower more profusely in full sun. Provide well-drained, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic (pH 4.5–6).

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 come back every year?

Do azaleas grow back every year? The Encore series of azaleas grows back every year in the fall and spring. Other series’ of azaleas do not grow back every year, unless you prune them before mid-summer.

Do azaleas like coffee grounds?

Can azaleas take full sun?

Azaleas do well in full sun or part shade (about four hours of sun). Planted in full sun, azaleas will be more compact and floriferous. Deciduous azaleas are more forgiving. Azaleas need good soil structure and plenty of organic matter so that their shallow roots will not dry out.

What part of an azalea is poisonous to dogs?

The toxicity of the Azalea lies in the neurotoxin that it contains, called grayanotoxin. The toxin is located in the leaves, petals and even pollen of the Azalea bush.

What happens if a dog eats an azalea?

Azaleas are toxic to dogs and cats, although they are less likely to consume them than livestock. Visible signs that an animal has ingested some part of an azalea plant includes excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty walking, appearing lethargic, tremors or seizures, loss of appetite and coma.

When should you plant azaleas?

Best Time to Plant. Plant deciduous and evergreen azaleas while they are dormant. In warm, mild-winter climates of USDA zones 8 and 9, B&B and container-grown azaleas should be planted between November and February.

What are the best growing conditions for growing azaleas?

Azalea Growing Conditions Planting Zone: Most azaleas are hardy to planting zones 6-9 , with a few varieties tolerating colder temperatures up to zone 4. Azaleas do best in spots sheltered from harsh winds. Partial Shade: Plant azaleas in dappled sunlight, or in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Are azaleas really hard to grow?

Azaleas are absolutely beautiful while they are blooming, but they probably don’t get used as much as they could because the perception is that they are hard to grow .

What kind of soil mix do I need to grow azaleas?

Loam soil is the best soil for growing many plants, including azaleas and rhododendrons. Loam is composed of roughly 40% sand 40 % silt and 20% clay.