Azaleas Evergreen. Types Of Azaleas. Dwarf Azaleas. Pruning Azaleas. Azaleas Care. Azaleas

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Azaleas Evergreen. Types Of Azaleas. Dwarf Azaleas. Pruning Azaleas. Azaleas Care. Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Azaleas are one of the most popular landscape shrubs grown in zones seven to nine. Azaleas are members of the genus Rhododendron. In common usage, the term "rhododendron" refers to the plants with larger, leathery leaves while "azalea" refers to those with smaller, thinner leaves. The care and requirements are the same for both plants.

Buying Plants

Hundreds of varieties of rhododendrons are available, and choosing varieties that suit the environment is a primary concern. Trying to grow a poorly adapted variety will result in poor results. For help in choosing a variety that is right for your location, visit a local nursery or contact your agricultural extension service.

Plants are usually purchased in the spring in one of these forms:

Balled-and-burlapped

Take extra care when planting balled-and-burlapped rhododendrons as they are more susceptible to transplant shock.

Container-grown

Container grown plants are sometimes rootbound, with a mass of roots on the outside of the soil ball. If you note this when removing the plant from the container, make four or five Ľ-inch deep cuts from the top to the bottom of the soil mass with a sharp knife. Space the cuts evenly. This will encourage root growth outside the root ball and allow better water penetration.

Choose plants that are sturdy and well-branched. Weak, spindling plants may indicate a poor root system. The best size for planting is 16 to 18 inches. Smaller plants are easily injured by harsh winter weather.

Selecting the Site

Rhododendrons grow best when planted in acid, soils with a pH of 4.0 to 6.0. The soil can be made more acid by adding ferrous sulfate or copperas, iron chelate, or finely ground dusting sulfur. Adding liberal amounts of peat moss and decaying oak leaves also tend to make the soil more acid.

A loose soil rich in well-composted organic matter is ideal, and good drainage is a must. If drainage is a problem, a raised bed 8 to 12 inches above ground level is recommended.

During hot periods, flowers will last longer on plants in filtered shade than on those in full sun. Partial shade also helps to reduce cold injuries in winter. Rhododendrons planted under shallow-rooted trees, such as elms and maples, suffer from competition for water and nutrients.

Planting

Dig the planting hole two times wider than the root ball and the same depth. Wider planting holes encourage the roots to grow into the native soil so that the plant will establish itself quicker. Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, then backfill with native soil removed from the hole. As you replace the soil, break up heavy clods and remove stones and debris. Do not fertilize the plants now. Wait until they are established. Apply three to five inches of mulch around the plants. This final step is very important to help conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and prevent weeds which compete with the plants for nutrients and moisture. Organic mulches including pine straw or bark are excellent mulches. Wood shavings, chips or sawdust can be used but will result in loss of nitrogen. Fall leaves are also a good mulch.

Watering

Watering newly planted azaleas is essential, The root system is relatively shallow, so frequent watering may be required. Rhododendrons need the equivalent of one inch of rain every 7 to 10 days. Continue the watering schedule until early winter rains begin, but be careful not to allow the plants to become waterlogged. Keep in mind that backfills dry out much faster than the original soil around the plant.

Fertilizing

A moderate, even level of fertility promotes good, steady growth. Special azalea fertilizers are available at most garden stores. Slow release formulas are best and should be used according to package directions. Overfertilizing causes severe damage to plants. Signs of over-fertilization include sudden leaf drop and brown leaf tips. To prevent this type of damage, apply light feedings in March, May and July rather than one annual feeding.

Pruning

Pruning helps to maintain an attractive, compact plant. Any heavy pruning should be done immediately after the flowering period. Tall, rangy limbs at the top of the plant should be removed down inside the body of the plant. To induce branching, pinch out tips of new growth between flowering and the first of July. Later pinching will reduce next year's flower production. Always remove any dead or injured branches.

When older plants become to large or awkwardly shaped, cut back the entire plant to 12-18 inches above ground level. The plant will regenerate rapidly if the soil is kept moist after pruning.

Jackie Carroll is the editor of GardenGuides.com, a leading internet destination from gardening information and ideas.

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Azaleas

While the heart of this book is its treatment of all the species of azaleas and more than 6000 cultivars, it also offers information on every aspect of growing and using azaleas in the garden, including landscaping, companion plants, culture, pests and diseases, hybridizing, and bonsai. It is the definitive book on the subject.

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American Azaleas

Other than a few Asiatic and one European species, North America is home to all the deciduous azaleas, members of the genus Rhododendron. There are native American azaleas suitable for a wide variety of garden environments. Gardeners interested in knowing more about these attractive, usually fragrant shrubs will discover here the diversity to be found in the species and will learn about recent trends in cultivation, selection, and hybridization. American azaleas are not used as much as they should be in gardens and in landscaping, even in areas where the plants are native and are common along roadsides. The author offers expert recommendations on all the horticultural aspects important for growing these colorful shrubs, including siting, soil preparation, and companion plantings. His coverage of the native species and the cultivars is comprehensive and up to date. The book provides all that the reader needs to enjoy the year-round pleasures offered by American azaleas.

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Success With Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Revised Edition

Illustrated with more than 110 striking color photographs and packed with advice on every aspect of rhododendron growing, from soil preparation and landscape design to advanced propagating and hybridizing techniques, this is the most useful book on these spectacular flowering shrubs. Reiley has fully updated his practical, hands-on approach with more of the detailed information that gardeners need to choose and grow these luxuriant, beautifully blossoming plants.