For many people, spring doesn't begin until the azaleas are blooming. It is hard to imagine spring without the vivid blooms of this beautiful flowering shrub.
What many do not realize, however, is that with a little planning, azaleas can bloom all spring in your yard, signaling both the beginning and ending of spring. Here are a few facts which will help you in selecting your azaleas.
Azaleas need afternoon shade in the summer so their shallow root system won't bake.
Azaleas don't like wet feet. Plant them in an area which drains quickly or raise the entire bed. Another option is to excavate the plant bed, install drainage tile, and refill the area with top soil.
At planting, it is a good idea to mix in some type of soil amendment such as compost, soil conditioner, or composted manure. This will improve your clay soil.
Plant the top of the root system slightly higher than ground level. Be sure to break the root system in several locations to encourage new growth. And of course, water in your new azalea.
As for maintenance, be sure to water your new azaleas 2 - 3 times a week for the first four to six weeks. After that time, water your azaleas once a week in the absence of rain.
Fertilize your azaleas in March, May and September with a complete balanced fertilizer. Many retail garden centers sell "Azalea Food". These products work well, however, they can be expensive. If your azaleas fail to bloom, you may need to provide them with a fertilizer which is high in phosphorous. Phosphorous is the element which aids in bloom production.
Watch for insect and disease problems and spray as needed. An application of dormant oil in February will help to control spider mites and lace bugs.
Be sure to mulch around your plants with a two to three inch layer of pine straw or pine bark nuggets. Mulch helps to reduce weeds and keeps the soil moisture level constant.
Azaleas are best pruned after they bloom - late March or April. You can continue to shape them until late June. Do not prune them after June or July, since azaleas set their buds for next spring in late summer.
For more information on azaleas, access the UGA Extension publication, Azalea Culture for Georgia Gardeners.
Billy Skaggs
Agricultural Agent
Hall County Extension Coordinator
734 East Crescent Drive
Gainesville, GA 30501
Phone:(770)531-6988
Fax: (770)531-3994
Email: [email protected]
Tuesday
August 5th, 2025
4:48AM
