Azaleas: Care Tips To Keep Them Thriving
Stunning Spring Blooms
Azaleas are beautiful shrubs that are loved by many gardeners and homeowners in the Sacramento region. These shrubs are native to East Asia and are best known for their vibrant spring blooms in shades of pink, red, white, purple, orange, and more. Read on to learn more about these popular shrubs and get growing tips to keep your azaleas healthy and thriving.
About Azaleas
- Azaleas are evergreen shrubs with a mounding, rounded habit.
- Mature height can range from 2'-8', depending on variety.
- Flowers typically bloom in the spring, although timing can vary by variety. Encore® Azalea and Bloom-A-Thon® Azalea varieties are known for their multi-season, prolific blooms.
- Azaleas are available in many different colors including white, pink, salmon, purple, and red.
- They can be planted as accents or en masse in containers, borders, shady beds or woodland gardens, or as a privacy hedge or foundation planting.
- Deer resistant.
Encore® Azaleas
Photo credit: Encore Azalea
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers filtered shade to morning sun in our area.
- Soil: Requires well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH of 5 or 6) with additional organic matter such as peat, compost, and leaves.
- Water: Requires regular or moderate watering. Typically weekly, or more often in extreme heat.
- When to Plant: Plant azaleas in late winter, early spring, or in fall. Give each planting good soil for new roots by digging a wide hole—only as deep as the rootball—and partially filling the hole with E.B. Stone Organics Azalea, Camellia & Acid Planting Mix before planting.
- Feeding: Fertilizing with an organic fertilizer is best. Organic fertilizers provide slow release of nutrients. E.B. Stone Organics Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Food is specially blended for overall growth, green foliage and bloom production of acid-loving plants.
- Pruning: Pruning isn't necessary, but can be used to control height. Pruning or pinching back young azalea plants helps to promote bushy growth and is best after bloom season.
Bloom-A-Thon® Red
Photo credit: Proven Winners
By following these care tips, you can ensure that your azaleas remain healthy and beautiful for many years to come. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, azaleas are a wonderful addition to your garden. Happy planting!
