Azalea Care Guide: How to Grow Azalea Flowers

Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the Rhododendron genus of the Ericaceae family. Azaleas are native to the tropical zones of Asia, and can be planted in warmer areas of North America. Like most Rhododendron flowers and plants, azaleas come in a variety of flower colors—from pink and orange to white—and bloom in the spring. Azaleas are bulbous in shape with leaves pointed outward.

Azaleas are often considered the more popular cousin of the rhododendron plants for which they’re often mistaken. Azaleas can be deciduous or evergreen, whereas rhododendrons are often evergreen. Most rhododendrons have large leaves with a noticeable texture, small dots (scales), and up to ten stamens. Azalea leaves are smaller with a thinner texture, no scales, and no more than six stamens.

Keeping azaleas in peak condition requires a high level of care. Follow these steps to maintain bright and thriving azaleas throughout the spring and summer:

• Plant your azaleas at least two feet apart. Azaleas are best planted in low-pH acidic soil in an area that’s not constantly in full sun and prone to partial shade. Smaller varieties of azaleas require less space (about two feet) around their root balls, whereas the larger varieties should be spaced further (up to six feet) in a soil pH of 5.0 to 6.0.
• Keep your azalea plants moist. Azaleas require an inch of water every week their first year of planting. This is particularly important during long periods without rain. Thoroughly soak the soil around the plant so that it can retain moisture without drowning the azalea.
• Fertilize your azaleas to promote growth. Use a fertilizer made with organic matter, or add a thin layer of compost on the soil around your plants. In the summer months, surround your azalea plants with an organic mulch, such as pine bark, to help the soil retain moisture.
• Prune your azaleas, and protect them from pests. Pruning can relieve azaleas of pest and plant diseases. The plants are prone to lace bugs, which can be dealt with by using insecticidal soap, and leafminers, which require removal of the infected area.

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