Position
Garden: Deciduous Azaleas thrive in cooler climates with cold winters. They do well in full sun or partial shade but need shelter from drying winds. Evergreen Azaleas prefer partial shade but can tolerate full sun in warmer regions if kept well-watered during hotter months.
Pots: Choose a location with dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Prepare Soil
Garden: Azaleas love acidic, rich, organic soil that retains moisture while being well-drained. Aim for a pH of 4.5–5.8. Enrich your soil with sphagnum moss, compost, and peat to maintain acidity. Use pine bark mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
Pots: Use a premium potting mix for acid-loving plants like Oderings Shrub & Tub Mix. Ensure pots have good drainage and water frequently during summer.
Feed
Garden: Apply a slow-release fertiliser made for acid-loving plants after flowering and again in late summer.
Pots: Fertilise regularly with a diluted liquid fertiliser during the growing season to ensure robust blooms.
Watering & Mulching
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Mulching: Add a 5–7 cm layer of organic mulch, like pine bark or wood chips, around the plant base to conserve moisture and regulate temperature.
Protection
In colder areas, you can cover azaleas with frost cloth to protect flowers or use windbreaks to shield them from harsh winter winds.
Pests and Diseases
- Watch for azalea lace bugs, which cause silvery mottling on leaves. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Prevent azalea petal blight by removing dead flowers in winter and spraying fungicides before the flower bud’s colour.
Pruning
Prune immediately after blooming to shape the plant, remove dead branches, and encourage healthy growth. Avoid late-season pruning, which can affect next year’s flowers.
Garden Expert Tip
Plant azaleas alongside other acid-loving companions like camellias, rhododendrons, and ferns for a striking garden display. This creates a lush, harmonious environment with year-round interest.
Enjoy azaleas' visual splendour as ornamental plants. Their blossoms are perfect for garden displays, pot arrangements, or cut flowers to brighten your home.
