No other shrub in the home landscape can beat azaleas for flower power when they are in full bloom.
As there are many factors that contribute to an azalea’s ability to bloom proficiently, the proper attention given to planting time, sun exposure, irrigation, fertilization and pruning can be the difference in success or failure.
Planting Time: Azaleas can certainly be planted in the spring, however spring planted azaleas take longer to become established than those planted in the fall or winter.
Planting in the summertime should be avoided but can be accomplished with extra care that often involves constant watering.
Sun Exposure: Many azalea cultivars will tolerate full sun if provided with adequate moisture. Generally, however, azaleas perform best when they receive some shade during the day. Four to six hours of morning sun followed by shading in the afternoon is considered ideal.
Irrigation: Newly planted azaleas in their first year require more attention to watering than established azaleas. During dry, summer weather, newly planted azaleas may need to be watered twice a week. Older established azaleas will be more resilient. Supplemental irrigation is far more likely to be needed when dry spells occur and when needed, enough water should be applied to thoroughly wet the upper 4 to 6 inches of soil. It is better to water azaleas (and other landscape shrubs) thoroughly, occasionally rather than lightly, frequently. Mulches are extremely useful in helping to maintain soil moisture.
Fertilization: While newly planted azaleas should not be fertilized, established azaleas should be fertilized as soon as they finish flowering with a general purpose or acid loving plant food. If the leaves at the end of the branches are yellowish-green with green veins, they need iron which can be foliar applied and also applied as a drench. The most common form of iron is liquid iron. Iron sulfate granules are also available in such products as ironite.
Pruning: As flowering finishes, evaluate your azaleas for needed pruning. April and May are good months to prune but only if it should be necessary. Generally a little shaping is all that is required. Avoid shearing azaleas with hedge clippers as this destroys their attractive natural shape.
It is better to use hand pruners to remove or shorten selected branches to achieve the desired shape and size.
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