Azaleas are a popular, low growing shrub which become covered in masses of colourful blooms from late winter through to early summer. Ideal for Japanese gardens or where you need pops of colour in shaded areas.
Planting Calendar
Azaleas are best planted from March to September.
Prepare
Position
Azaleas prefer to be planted in partly to fully shaded areas of the garden which are reasonably cool in summer with some protection from the hot sun.
Soil
When planted into the ground, Azaleas like a free draining acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. When grown in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost, Hauraki Peat, Sheep Pellets and Kings Azalea, Camellia and Rhododendron Fertiliser into your existing soil. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
Care
Watering
When first planting, make sure that you water regularly until the plant is established and growing well. They enjoy good soil moisture in summer. Inadequate water may cause flower buds to drop off and yellowing of the leaves. Water deeply when applying fertiliser.
Feeding
Feed them twice yearly with Kings Azalea, Camellia and Rhododendron Fertiliser - perfect for all acid-loving plants. Do this once in spring and again in mid-summer to ensure a continuous supply of nutrients. In addition monthly applications of Aquaticus Garden Booster will ensure plant and root health.
Protecting
Azaleas especially during the hotter months can be troubled my Thrip and Mites.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
Spray from Spring through summer with Mavrik to control mites and thrip.
Pruning
Prune to shape and remove old flowers and any dead wood.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Top Varieties
Deciduous Azalea
Deciduous Azaleas give vibrant autumn colour as their leaves turn to a crimson red before they fall off. They lose all their leaves in winter, and then flower in spring upon bare stems. They prefer a cooler climate and can grow up to 1.5m tall. Some varieties are fragrant.
Evergreen
Evergreen Azaleas are the most popular type, with lots of colourful blooms throughout winter and into spring, growing from 60cm to 1m tall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Azalea looks ugly, all the leaves are brown and full of holes, what's eating them?
This is caused by the Leaf Roller Caterpillar which hides by curling up in the tip of the leaf and feeds on the leaves until they mature. In Spring check for the first sign of damage and spray with Grosafe Garden mixed with Enspray99 Oil. You may want to lightly prune your Azalea to remove damaged leaves once the caterpillars have gone.
My Azalea leaves are silver, what is causing this?
Azaleas are prone to attack by Thrips, this causes the leaves to go grey/silver. Spray with Groventive Garden during Spring and Summer for prevention.
How often should I water my Azaleas?
When first planting, make sure that you water regularly until the plant is established and growing well. They enjoy good soil moisture in summer. Inadequate water may cause flower buds to drop off and yellowing of the leaves. Water deeply when applying fertiliser.
How do I prune Azaleas?
Prune to shape and remove old flowers and any dead wood.
Are Azaleas safe for pets?
Azaleas are toxic to pets if ingested. It's best to keep pets away from these plants to prevent any potential health issues.
