Azalea bushes need partial sun and well-draining, evenly moist, rich soil for flourish.
We’ll also give you tips on how to plant azaleas when you don’t have the idealsoil.
Solution:Plant the azalea so it is 2 to 3 inches above the soil line.
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Alternatively, create a raised garden bed with an ideal soil mixture for planting azaleas.
No matter whattype of soilyou have, azaleas won’t survive in wet areas.
If the water doesn’t drain at least an inch per hour, don’t plant your azalea there.
Solution:Create a raised bed for planting or find a better location to plant your azalea.
In Alkaline Soil
Azaleas grow best in acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0.
In neutral or alkaline soil, leaves will develop chlorosis, or yellowing from a lack of iron.
Solution:Have your soil tested before planting and follow any instructions forapplying amendmentsto make it more acidic.
Use acidic soil amendments such as pine needles and oak leaves and mulch with pine straw.
In Full Sun
In full sun, azaleas often suffer from leaf scorch and insect infestations.
Leaf-sucking spider mites stipple the foliage when the shrubs are planted in hot, dry areas.
Azaleas won’t bloom well in deep shade.
Solution:If you must plant in full sun, choose an Encore azalea.
However, even these sun-tolerant azaleas do best with some afternoon shade.
Mulch well and expect to water your shrubs twice a week in summer.
Near Concrete Foundations
Azaleas are often touted as a greatfoundation plant.
And they areunless your foundation is made of concrete.
Concrete can leach lime and raise soil pH to the point that it is too alkaline.
While you’re free to use soil amendments to lower pH, the results are often only temporary.
Never plant azaleas near a concrete foundation, sidewalk, or driveway before having your soil tested first.
