Flower Delivery

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.

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Wondering what special flowers to plant this year? How about the Plant of the Year?The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) has named Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’ (Firewitch) the 2006 Perennial Plant of the Year.

Cheddar pink is the common name of this sun exposure perennial. It is an evergreen selection with bluish-gray, slivery foliage and purplish-pink, fragrant flowers in mid-spring. Rebloom can occur in the summer and into the fall. Firewitch is hardy from Zones 3-9. Mature mats of this cheddar pink have foliage 3-4 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide. The flowers reach 6-8 inches high. This evergreen perennial performs best in full sun in well-drained soils.

“The Perennial Plant of the Year Program helps consumers select plants that perennial industry experts find to be outstanding and easily grown,” said Steven Still, executive director of the PPA. “The homeowners can have great confidence that the Perennial Plant of the Year will grow well in the garden.”

The Perennial Plant of the Year Program was initiated in 1990. Each year, members of the PPA select a perennial that is suitable for a wide range of climate types, low maintenance, easily propagated and exhibits multi-seasonal interest.

For more information on the PPA visit http://www.perennialplant.org/. Specific culture information for Firewitch can be found at http://www.gpnmag.com/ by searching the article archive for Firewitch.