GROWING RHODODENDRONS and AZALEAS

How to Grow Rhododendrons and Azaleas

Aspect
Rhododendrons and Azaleas prefer locations where they receive semi or dappled shade. They will grow in open spaces, but prefer morning sun with protection from the hot afternoon sun.

Soil
Rhododendrons and Azaleas prefer a slightly acidic soil (pH 3-6) that is well-draining and high in organic matter.

Prior to planting, feed the soil with compost and aged manure in order to condition the soil and improve moisture retention.

*  Do NOT plant Rhododendrons and Azaleas in concrete or brick pots or containers as the lime in the mortar can leach into the soil, making it alkaline.

Planting
Rhododendrons and Azaleas are surface-rooting plants, so therefore do not need deep soil in order to thrive.  30 to 40 centimetres is adequate.

With new plants it is important to gently tease out the roots prior to planting to help them establish themselves well.

After positioning the plant in the prepared hole, backfill, mulch and water well with a seaweed solution.

Fertilizing
Rhododendrons and Azaleas can be pruned once they have finished blooming.  They can be fed with either a pellet-form of organic plant food, or in slow-release granular form.

Follow this with a fresh layer of organic mulch to reduce soil evaporation.

Fertilize again in Autumn to encourage strong, healthy plants.

Pruning
Rhododendrons and Azaleas can be pruned to remove diseased and/or damaged branches or foliage, and to shape them after flowering.

Azaleas respond well to pruning and make perfect specimens for growing as hedges or trimmed into standards.

Rhododendrons however, should only be pruned very lightly and only if needed.

Pests and Diseases
Rhododendrons and Azaleas are both prone to pests and diseases.
Petal blight is a fungal disease that turns the flowers brown.  The easiest solution is to pick off the affected flowers.  Petal blight can also be combated with the use of a commercial or organic fungicide.

Azaleas can be prone to ‘lace bug’ infestations, which causes brown spots under the leaves.  A symptom to look out for is leaves suddenly turning a silver colour.  An organic solution is ‘glue spray’ and ‘oil spray’ amongst others. Commercially, Pyrethrum spray is appropriate to use to combat Azalea lace bug.

Tips for growing Rhododendrons and Azaleas
When planting your Azaleas and Rhododendrons, choose a forecast period of several cool, overcast days.  Plant either early or late in the day, avoiding the midday sun.  Do not plant in hot or windy weather as moisture loss from the leaves is best avoided.

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Joanne
Sacred Scribes

RHODODENDRONS and AZALEAS

All about Rhododendrons and Azaleas

Rhododendrons and Azaleas grow natively at the heights of the Himalayas, the mountain forests of Assam and Upper Burma, the remote hills of the Chinese hinterland, the islands of Japan, the tropical forests of Java and Sumatra, the fringes of the Arctic Circle and the eastern regions of North America.  Today, Rhododendrons and Azaleas can be found worldwide.

Rhododendrons and Azaleas boast dazzling Spring flowers, and some varieties flower from Autumn, through Winter and into Spring.  Both Azaleas and Rhododendrons are suited to cool climate gardens.

All Azaleas are Rhododendrons, yet not all Rhododendrons are Azaleas.  This is because both plants are closely related, and belong to the genus ‘Rhododendron’.  There are many different species within the ‘Rhododendron’ genus, and Azaleas are just a small group.

Azaleas are amongst the world’s most admired flowering shrubs due to their amazing variety of floral shapes and colours.  Evergreen Azaleas have beautiful, showy flowers from late Winter to early Spring, and brilliant green foliage all year round.  Azalea flowers can be bi-colour, double or single, patterned or frilled.  Some varieties have very large flowers and leaves, whilst others have slim, small leaves and flowers.

There are also deciduous forms that have masses of colourful blooms, followed by lush foliage that changes colour throughout the months, until dropping their leaves in Autumn.

Grown in large pots or in the garden, Azaleas can make themselves at home in almost any garden style, and are easy to care for as they are quite self-sufficient once established.

Rhododendrons are cool climate plants (like Azaleas) and are well known for their brilliant abundance of flowers and leather-looking leaves.  Rhododendron flowers come in a huge variety of colours and hues, from white to pink, red, orange, yellow, purple and mauve.

Rhododendrons range in size from small shrubs to huge trees, depending upon variety.

Rhododendrons and Azaleas thrive in semi-shade, preferably with morning sun, good drainage and slightly acidic soils.  Rhododendrons and Azaleas and prefer loamy soils enriched with organic matter such as leaf mulch or compost.

Tips for buying Rhododendrons and Azaleas

Buy Rhododendrons and Azaleas in Spring when they are in bloom so as to ensure that you buy the exact colour you want.

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Joanne
Sacred Scribes