Expert Tips for Picture Perfect Azaleas

Long adored for their luscious blooms and stately stature in the garden, azaleas remain one of the most popular shrubs in modern-day landscapes. But to ensure that these super-bloomers operate at peak performance, there are a few tips that every well-intentioned gardener must know.

Buddy Lee, past-president of the Azalea Society of America, is best know for introducing American gardens to the Encore Azalea -- the only patented brand of azalea to bloom in spring, summer and fall. Here, he reveals his best tips for growing peak performing Encore Azaleas.

Check and Double-check Sun Exposure

“Encore Azaleas like more sun than traditional azaleas,” says Lee. “Planting Encore Azaleas in a location that lacks adequate sunlight is the biggest, but easiest mistake to make.” Encore Azaleas need a minimum of four to six hours of sunlight a day for optimal blooming. Lee advises that gardeners evaluate the amount of sunlight the azalea will receive over the course of a few days before planting. “Monitor sunlight periodically from morning to late afternoon. Be certain that the spot you select offers a steady stream of sunlight for at least four hours,” he says. Planting azaleas in areas that receive direct harsh evening summer sun should be avoided.

“When selecting a site for your azalea, don’t forget to take into consideration the shade-bearing trees planted nearby,” Lee adds. A sunny spot for your azalea may quickly become too densely shaded as trees mature.

Prevent Dehydration

“Watering wisely is something that we all want to be conscious of these days,” says Lee. “The good news is that it’s easy if a few careful steps are taken.” Lee recommends that gardeners apply approximately two to three inches of mulch around the base of new and previously planted azaleas to cover roots. This will hold in moisture, and will protect the root ball from sun.

He also suggests incorporating acidic organic media, such as shredded bark, with the soil to encourage good root development, an especially important step in areas with sandy or heavy clay soil. “Water thoroughly, when needed, once to twice a week, preferably in the early evening or afternoon when the sun’s intensity begins to decline. This is the best way to ensure maximum water uptake.”

Feed Well But Less Often

According to Lee, azaleas must receive adequate nutrition. “Having spent most of my life growing and breeding azaleas, I’ve seen the enormous effect an appropriate, well-balanced diet has on an azalea -- larger blooms, extended bloom seasons, enhanced disease resistance, lush foliage and overall performance,” Lee says, explaining that the best time to fertilizer an azalea is right after the spring bloom.

“Always make sure before you apply fertilizer that the azalea is well hydrated and that the soil is moist,” he says.

Dynamite Plant Food, the nation’s most-trusted source for sustainable, easy-to-use fertilizers, recently launched Dynamite Encore Azalea Food. According to Harman Gilbert, Lead Horticulturalist at Dynamite, the new 18-8-8 slow release formula provides the perfect blend of macro and micronutrients azaleas need to thrive and it feeds for a full nine months.

Lee says he’s excited about what the new food can offer. “I love that this fertilizer takes the guesswork out of feeding by releasing just the right amount of nutrients into the soil at the right time,” says Lee. “This smart release technology allows me to feed well but less often, which is convenient for me and better for the environment.” Lee adds that he trusts Dynamite’s fertilizers “because of their expertise in release technology for plants that have extended bloom seasons.”

Pruning, But Prune Wisely

Pruning is a tricky issue for many gardeners. “While very light pruning of small branches can be done most anytime on azaleas, heavy pruning and shaping, which will encourage vigorous growth, should be reserved for springtime,” says Lee. “Bear in mind that Encore Azaleas require very little pruning to retain good form,” he says. “If you think your Encore Azalea needs to be pruned, do so immediately after the spring flowering for maximum bud set.” Pruning at the right time is important, so if you wait too long after the first spring flowering, hold off until the following spring so you don’t disturb the azalea’s bloom cycle.

For more information, visit www.florikan.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent