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Azalea Care

It is important to know the conditions and cultures under which azaleas grow properly. You are to know what the proper place and time would be for planting azaleas. Its growth directly depends o­n both the factors.

Let us talk about the exposure azaleas prefer. Cool and shaded places are good for azaleas. It grows better under the light shadows of pine trees. It won’t be prudent to plant them under thick shadows. There are a few varieties that can grow under the direct sun and dry winds. But in general, most of the species prefer shady locations.

Azaleas requires soil to be acidic [4.5 to 6 pH), well drained, and less moisturized soil. Test the soil before planting azaleas and try to maintain the pH acidic as required for the best plant and flowers. Azaleas plants when planted in poorly drained areas they do not get sufficient oxygen for their growth and flowering. It damages roots too. If the area is not well drained, put decomposed barks of pine trees and then plant azaleas. It will serve the purpose.

Layering of materials usually leaves, grass, clippings etc. put around the plants to protect them. In case of azaleas, layering of 2- to 3 inch is required. It has utilities like conservation of soil moisture, temperature, and protecting the plants from weeds. You can use decomposed materials of vegetables or grass etc. While layering, take care of the stem of the plant not being dumped o­n.

Precautions are the part of azalea plantation. Its roots do not go deep into the ground. Therefore, it requires irrigation during dry season. In dry regions watering azaleas regularly is very important. It is also important to know when to irrigate the plants. Dig an area near to the plant and see the moisture of the soil. If you find the soil dry, put water sufficiently around the plants. You are to know how to irrigate the plants. Drip irrigation is better than overhead irrigation. Overhead irrigation may make the plants vulnerable to diseases. Water logging is also not good for the plants.

Nutritional supplements are part of azalea plantation. Plants do not require much nutritional elements. Before plantation, you can add some organic materials and then surround the plant with decomposed organic substances. They will provide nutritional supplements to the plants as required. You should have the pathological eye to know what is to be done when you see the growth being arrested. Deficiency of nutrition will prevent the growth of the plants; leaves will be smaller than the normal size; its colour will be yellowish etc. The same symptoms will be found if plants are provided with more nutritional elements they require. You must be sure of the cause before adding nutrition to plants. Soil testing will help to take the right decision.

Nitrogen in soil ensures plants growth. That is why most of the fertilizers have nitrogen as the main component. Be sure that the soil has sufficient nitrogen. If it does not have, add fertilizers having nitrogen. The optimum dose would be a pound of nitrogen per thousand square feet of root area. Pathology of the health should always be taken into account. Iron is essential for healthy azaleas.

Take into account that azalea roots are mostly available in the top layers of the soil. Therefore, the surface application of fertilizer is always better. Spray the fertilizer properly to avoid dumping at any particular place which can cause harm to the plant. Spray fertilizer over the branches and then add water so that it can get easily absorbed in the soil.

It is not sufficient to know that you are to add fertilizer. Time is also equally important. Add fertilizer when the soil is moist and it can easily be absorbed by the roots. But don’t forget to add water just after spraying granules of fertilizer. To cut off parts of azaleas is an important aspect. Remove branches that extend beyond the canopy of the plant, its damaged or diseased wood, and sometimes reduce the size of the plant. It allows light to pass through and help other branches grow properly. You can also cut back of a branch to reduce the size of a plant. Azaleas also suffer from diseases having the symptoms like petal blight, leaf gall, leaf spots, dieback, and root and crown rot. Common insects are lace bug and spider mites. You can use common insecticides and pesticides like HGIC 2050, and HGIC 2051.

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Written by Bobbie on January 30th, 2006 with comments disabled.
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