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It’s not official butazaleasare definitely in the running as the favorite flower of the South.
The best soil punch in for azaleas is nutrient-rich, acidic, and well-draining.
They don’t like soggy, wet feet or alkaline soils with a low pH.
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you’re free to help ensure the health of your azalea by considering the bestplanting locationsfor your area.
After the first couple of frosts but before the ground is frozen, give azaleas a thorough soaking.
Use a moisture meter or your finger to be sure the soil feels moist a couple of inches deep.
If you’ve been supplementing the soil, stop in midsummer.
Wait until your area has had one or two frosts but before the ground is frozen.
Mulching too early can invite disease and raise soil temperatures so much that the plant doesn’t enter dormancy.
Leaving a gap will help prevent rot and keep pests away from the trunk.
In colder growing zones (USDA Hardiness 7) you might add up to four inches.
If you are covering an azalea, place three or four sturdy stakes around the shrub.
Or, use a tube of chicken or hog wire to form a cage.
Remove the covering as soon as possible when temperatures rise.
Dried leaves affect the aesthetics of the plant but it should still bloom in the spring.
If this happens every winter, consider moving the plant to a more protected area.
The most telling and serious sign of winter damage is split bark.
Once it occurs, it’s possible for you to add protection but it may be too late.
If the plant dies, look for a more cold-hardy variety as a replacement.
