Azalea Gardening

Most gardeners consider the azalea shrub as an easy plant to propagate, if located in the most favourable conditions. Azaleas can be considered as two primary groups, the evergreen azalea and the deciduous azalea, which drops all of its leaves in the fall during cooler conditions. Most deciduous azaleas grown are native plants of the American forests.

Deciduous azaleas are natural plants to North America and several other azalea varieties have originated in foreign countries such as Japan and China. Evergreen azalea plants also drop their leaves, causing them appear to be evergreen, but they actually grow two sets of leaves, dropping a few leaves in the fall. The azalea plant is a shallow rooted plant, and it is one of those rare plants that can grow well when planted beneath the shade of pine trees. The widespread roots and wide coverage of the sub-surface of pine tree roots is dense and presents a tough growing medium for most other companion plants to survive in. The sparse light of the pine tree is quite satisfactory for growing nice early season flowering azaleas Pine trees also thrive and grow well in acidic soils, having a soil pH of 5.5 or less which is quite acceptable for growing the azalea shrub.

Azalea shrubs usually do not need any additional fertilizing. The shallow roots of the azalea shrub can be severely burned by fertilizer if overdone. Too much fertilizing could result in root rot and in the end lead to the death of the plant. Shade tree leaves will decay and provide natural essential fertilizer. Probably more azalea shrubs are damaged r killed by kindness than by lack of care.

Azalea planting is best done in the spring while the plants are in flower, but fall planting will provide acceptable results in most cases. The azalea plant is not easily moved from one garden spot to another. Plant containerized azaleas for fast growing and to experience the best survival rates. A planting hole should be dug slightly wider than the container holding the azalea, and the shrubs planted high enough relative to soil level so that they will not drown out and die.

Azaleas will not tolerate full sun very well but will do much better when planted underneath the partial shade of pine trees or shade trees. If the leaves show signs of wilting after planting, minimal watering may be required. Over watering and over fertilizing may be the greatest dangers for killing young azalea plants during the first growing season. Azalea plants are easy to grow in most locations, and after planting these shrubs in the garden leave them alone for best results.

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