I’ve been getting a few emails asking about care information for azaleas, and thought I would share the information from the Wayside Gardens culture files. If you would like to browse through these, just take a look at GardenerHelp.org. All of the horticulture notes and articles available to the Wayside Gardens customer service team are online. It is easier for them to access from their work stations, and it can also be a nice trove of gardening info for anyone else who might stumble upon it.
The following information was copied from GardenerHelp.org
PLANTING: Plant deciduous Azaleas in spring or fall; evergreens at any time except during extremely hot, dry weather and when ground is frozen. Loose, well drained soil enriched with organic matter preferred. Improve drainage of heavy, clay soil with coarse sand and compost, peat, or leaf mold. An acid pH, 4.5-6.0, required. Add sulfur or ferrous sulfate to acidify neutral or alkaline soil. Place these shrubs in a part shade situation, protected from harsh winds, 3-5 feet apart. The species Azaleas may need 6-8 feet between plants. Take care to set plants at same depth as they were grown in nursery – DO NOT PLANT TOO DEEP!!!
MAINTENANCE: Water deeply once a week when there is no or little rainfall. Do not cultivate near plants as Azaleas are shallow rooted. A 2-3 inch mulch of pine needles, oak leaves, or ground corn cobs will help preserve moisture and discourage weeds. In poor soil, or if mulch is not already partially decayed, apply Azalea fertilizer before new growth appears in spring. Little pruning necessary other than to remove dead or badly placed branches. New shoots may be pinched to encourage bushiness. Provide mulch for winter protection. Propagate by grafting cuttings in late summer, layering during growing season, and species by seed.
NOTES: Use these shrubs for background in flower beds or borders in shrub borders or in woodland settings. When using in foundation plantings where lime may be introduced into the soil (by the breakdown of cement, etc.), be sure that the pH stays within the proper range.
(Cont. Azalea Info)