AZALEA AND RHODODENDRON Facts

COLORS

White, pink, red, coral, yellow

LIGHT

Partial shade

SOIL

Rich, well drained

WATER

When soil becomes dry

pH

5.0 to 6.5

HARDINESS

Varies with selection

USES

Foundation beds, woodland areas

TIP

Prune azaleas and rhododendrons only as needed to remove awkward branches.

AZALEAS AND RHODODENDRONS

The large botanical family of Rhododendrons includes hundreds of woodland shrubs that grow well in partial shade. Rhododendrons have large, leathery evergreen leaves, while those known as azaleas have smaller, thin leaves. Most of the better-known azaleas grown in the South are evergreen, but the fragrant, native ones are deciduous (they shed their leaves in winter). Large flowered deciduous selections such as the popular Exbury types are sufficiently hardy for northern gardens and the maritime climates of the West. When choosing either rhododendrons or azaleas for your yard, check with local nurseries or your County Extension Service for recommended types. Once you know what types are best for your area, you can choose between a wide range of flower colors.

When choosing either rhododendrons or azaleas for your yard, check with local nurseries or your County Extension Service for recommended types

FERTILIZING AZALEAS AND RHODODENDRONS

If you do not know if your soil's pH is acidic enough for azaleas and rhododendrons, check it. Both prefer acidic soil. A pH above 6.5 reduces the availability of iron, which can cause leaves to become yellow. Good azalea and rhododendron fertilizers include iron.

For the first month after setting out new plants, azaleas and rhododendrons need water to keep their fine-textured roots from drying out. At planting or shortly after, apply Vigoro® Azalea, Camellia, and Rhododendron food with timed-release fertilizer and extra iron.

Fertilize established plants in late spring or early summer, after the flowers fade. Rake back the mulch and fallen leaves under the plants. Starting 6 inches away from the base of the plant, scatter the fertilizer evenly all the way out to the "drip line" -- the outside perimeter where water might drip down from the plant's leaves. Then cover the fertilized area with a 2- to 3-inch deep layer of pine needles, rotted leaves, or other acidic mulch.  For best results try Vigoro^® water soluble or granular plant foods specifically formulated for Azaleas and Rhododendrons.

Shortcut: Sprinkle fertilizer directly on top of existing mulch and water it in thoroughly.

If you want to speed the growth of young plants you can fertilize them again every 2 to 3 months throughout the growing season.

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