Azalea

How to grow azalea

Light

Dappled shade, or morning sun with afternoon shade. Deep shade reduces flowering, and hot sun scorches the leaves.

Watering

Azaleas have shallow, fine roots that dry out quickly. Water deeply once or twice a week in dry weather, especially in the first two years.

Soil and feeding

The soil must be acidic. Mix pine bark or leaf mold into the planting area, set the root ball slightly above ground level and mulch with pine needles or bark. Use a fertilizer made for acid-loving plants after flowering.

Planting and pruning

Prune within three weeks of the end of flowering. Next year's buds form in summer, so later pruning removes them. Most plants need only light shaping.

Propagation

Take semi-ripe cuttings in early summer, or layer a low branch by pinning it to the soil.

Common problems

Yellow leaves with green veins

Iron deficiency caused by soil that is not acidic enough. Apply sulfur or chelated iron and mulch with pine bark.

Pale, speckled leaves with dark spots underneath

Azalea lace bug, worst on plants in full sun. Move the plant to part shade and spray the leaf undersides with insecticidal soap.

Flowers turn brown and mushy

Petal blight in wet weather. Remove affected flowers and avoid overhead watering.

Questions about azalea

When should I prune azaleas?

Right after they finish blooming in spring, and no later than early summer.

Are azaleas and rhododendrons the same?

Azaleas belong to the genus Rhododendron. They are generally smaller, with smaller leaves and funnel-shaped flowers.

Plant details

• Tolerates shade
• Grows in containers
• Attracts pollinators