The fantastic world of azaleas, which is part of the rhododendron family, won't be a mystery for long. Even the beginner can get the hang of these easy-care, flowering shrubs. They grow from the foothills of the Himalayas, to western China, Japan, northern India and both coastal regions of the United States. Encouraging profuse blooms is as simple as placement, fertilizer and proper pruning. Fertilizing times will vary according to your region, but the simple application techniques are the same. Watch the results over several growing seasons and you will be highly rewarded.
Instructions
1. Take a sample of soil to your county or local university extension office or use a home test kit that you can buy at plant nurseries or a variety store. Optimum acidity levels for azaleas are pH 4.5 to 5.5 for overall good health and flower production.
2. Locate azaleas in part shade where they will thrive, out of long exposure to the sun and chilling winds. Transplant a shrub that is out in blazing sun or wind to a proper location in fall. Use a fertile soil mix, combining it with native soil by hand or shovel into the planting hole.
3. Correct the soil's pH level preferably in fall or early spring. Add lime to raise the pH level. Add compost or manure to lower pH level. Add gypsum if your pH level is correct to add essential calcium. Add phosphorus to encourage strong flower production. Add Epsom salts if magnesium is low and older leaves are yellowing. Add iron sulfate or chelated iron liquid if young leaves are yellowing. For granular amendments, sprinkle 1 cupful around the base of the shrub, and outward for 1 foot in diameter, incorporating it into the dirt with a shovel or gloved hands. Spray chelated iron directly on leaves. Levels will change gradually over several seasons.
4. Mix a specialized azalea plant food in water, following directions, and pour 1 gallon per shrub around the base. In the Northwest, fertilize once in late January, again during blooming and add a final application before the end of June when blooming quits. In the Southeast, fertilize in March, during bloom and then in July. In California, fertilize after growth has started in spring, then in midsummer and fall.
5. Prune azaleas lightly during flowering if gangly or immediately after flowering is complete. This will not affect flower formation the following year.
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