Azaleas are quite possibly the most popular plant in the southern landscape.
With their early flash of color they are always a favorite spring picture backdrop. Azaleas belong to the genus Rhododendron which has more than 900 different species that are native to many parts of the world but has found a home in the south.
Many of these plants have been planted to highlight a home, add color to a tree line and many others.
A container grown plant should be placed in the ground in the early spring or late fall to help establish the root system prior to the high stress environment that the south offers during peak summer.
When digging the hole, make sure the hole is three times as wide as the root ball and always set the plant at the same depth or slightly above where it was in the container. Choose a planting location that has morning sun and afternoon shade. Also make sure that the site drains properly as azaleas will do poorly if the roots stay wet over long periods of time. Soil tests can determine soil pH as azaleas thrive in acidic soils with a pH between 4.6 -6.0.
There is typically very little pruning needed unless the mature size of the azalea is larger than the space provided.
Azaleas set next season’s flowers on old wood in the fall, therefore any pruning should be done after flowering.
Once the flowers begin to fade remove the flower clusters to enhance the aesthetics of the overall plant.
If older plants have started looking weary they can be rejuvenated by heavy pruning.
These plants are a great addition for color in landscapes with very little maintenance. If considering some for your home be sure to take the time in selecting the right one.
They come in many colors and even have dwarf varieties that stay below 2 feet tall. You may even consider an Encore(r) type that enjoys full sun and flowers in the spring and fall but often not as full of flowers as the spring only azaleas.
