Azalea Flower Growing Conditions

Azaleas can also make exceptional candidates for containers.

Azalea flower growing conditions. In northern climates where sun is less intense azaleas often prefer more sun. Most azaleas are hardy to planting zones 6 9 with a few varieties tolerating colder temperatures up to zone 4. The best time to plant azaleas is in late spring or early fall.

With an application of mulch in the spring and watering you azalea the required amount to keep the soil moist the azalea should recover and stay healthy however you may have to wait to the next growing season before the plant starts growing as normal. Before planting feed soil with compost and aged manure to improve moisture retention. If the cultural aspects are taken into account and heeded you should have relatively trouble free pleasure.

If the soil is too close to ph neutral 7 or the soil as alkaline then the azalea will not grow to the same extent and may even die. Azaleas naturally thrive at the edge of light pine woods. Azaleas must be planted in acidic soil which means that it should have a ph level between 4 5 and 6 0.

If the soil is alkaline it is necessary to acidify the soil by adding peat moss or cow manure or by using any acidifying tonic. Generally speaking azaleas are healthy but without the right growing conditions they can suffer from a number of problems. Deciduous varieties flower more profusely in full sun.

The good thing about azaleas is that they don t have too many growth requirements albeit they are a bit specific. Some of the diseases that can be apparent include azalea gall petal blight powdery mildew rust and twig blight. They like a mildly acidic organically enriched soil ph 5 6 so avoid applying lime or fresh manures.

Azaleas are often considered shade plants but many varieties tolerate direct sun and some even require it. Azaleas do best in spots sheltered from harsh winds. Soil ph and azalea growth.