AZALEA

Azaleas are some of the most popular specimen shrubs in the home landscape. They are traditionally used as foundation plantings or in shrub borders. Careful attention should be paid to planting location, soil type and watering.

Planting Location

Eastern or northern exposures are usually best for azaleas, as opposed to the harsher wind and sun conditions found in western and southern exposures. Winter winds can easily desiccate evergreen azaleas, so make sure they have adequate soil moisture going into winter. Some homeowners construct "screens," using landscape fabric or burlap nailed to wooden stakes, to protect their azaleas from the harsh effects of winter wind.

Soil

While azaleas require regular watering to become properly established, you shouldn't plant azaleas in poorly drained, wet areas in heavy clay soils. Enriching most garden soils with peat moss will help provide better growing conditions for your azalea. Mounding your planting area with a good topsoil-peat moss mix will often provide a solution to planting in problem areas.

Watering

Thorough weekly watering of azaleas in Northeastern US landscapes during dry spells will greatly enhance your chances of success. We have traditionally seen azaleas establish faster, and grow better, in regularly irrigated landscapes.

Culture

Fertilization - Soils that aren't acidic enough may create problems with chlorosis -- azalea leaves will be pale colored with dark green veins. Fertilizing your chlorotic plants according to label instructions with Miracid may help.
Pests - The most common insect pest on azaleas in Pennsylvania is Lace Bug.
Trimming - Trim plants within a few weeks after they are finished blooming, otherwise you will remove next year's flower buds.
Deer damage - Cover your azaleas with deer netting over the winter months to prevent browsing by whitetail deer.

Photos of Evergreen Azaleas

Blaauw's Pink Azalea

Mid-season bloom. Kurume azalea.

Moderate growth to 4 ft tall x 5 ft wide.