Drainage is just as important for azalea care in the winter as it is in the summer. Azaleas don’t like wet feet, so let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. The soil should be well-draining -- poorly drained soil deprives the plants of oxygen and leads to root rot disease. By: Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer. Preventing azalea winter damage is also accomplished by spreading 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 13 cm.) [6] Many azaleas are only bud-hardy in the country's southern half, but some northern-bred types can withstand minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Azalea winter care begins in fall, when you should slow down and eventually stop irrigating your plants. If you have a healthy looking azalea bush but it fails to bloom, … Azalea blossoms brighten the spring garden, blooming generously in areas of light shade. Plant in an area with filtered sunlight rather than direct sun or deep shade for best results. It provides them with sufficient moisture in the soil to last until spring. Azaleas include both evergreen and deciduous varieties, but evergreen azaleas do better in warmer climates because of their adaptability to heat and sun. Use rainwater, if possible, as rainwater is less alkaline than tap water. Azaleas prefer partial shade, especially shelter from the afternoon sun. Planting in heavy clay is a no-no: root rot often ensues, indicated by yellowing, wilting foliage and collapse of the plant. Overwintering Rhododendron and Azalea Growing in Containers. cm.) Flower buds on spring-blooming azaleas form long before winter. Check the soil in the container with your finger and avoid plants that are overly dry. Some deciduous varieties explode into shades of yellow and crimson in autumn, while others hold onto green leaves throughout winter. Growing Rhododendron: Caring For Rhododendrons In The Garden, Azalea Mulching Guidelines: What’s The Best Azalea Mulch, Good Azalea Care: Azaleas, Noteworthy Shrubs For Any Garden, Landscaping With Medicinal Plants – Growing Medicinal Herbs In The Landscape, Many-Flowered Cotoneaster Shrub Info - Growing Many-Flowered Cotoneasters, Iris In A Container - Potted Iris Care Guide, Winter Death Of Plants: Why Do Plants Die In Winter, Christmas Tree Disposal: How To Recycle A Christmas Tree, Information On Replanting A Christmas Tree Without Roots, Blueberry Winter Damage: Care Of Blueberries In Winter, Potted Plant Surprise – Container Grown Strawberry And Pussy Willow, My Tree Journey: Lessons from a Lemon Tree, Love For Dandelion “Weeds” – Dandelion Flowers Belong In The Garden. Azaleas versus rhododendrons Azaleas are in the genus Rhododendron. Consequently, how often do azaleas need to be watered? Reduce watering to 1 inch every two weeks as the plant matures, but be prepared to offer more water if the root-area soil dries out between waterings. Cease watering in the late Fall and start watering again in the early Spring. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Outdoor azaleas in pots typically do not need any water during winter as they are dormant and will attain enough moisture from rainfall. wide. The ones we got first failed and I think it might be that I either water them too much or not enough. Water at the base of plants to avoid soaking the leaves. Never let these plants dry out, but remember the soil should be moist, not waterlogged. Check your plant daily during hot, dry weather; potted azaleas dry quickly. This type of fertilization should be done three or four times per year, starting in April and ending by mid-July. When root rot is present, the roots appear saturated or black and a portion of the outer root can easily be pulled from the inner root. However, it is good to water them in the morning because that gives their leaves the day to absorb the water and dry off—if they stay wet overnight, their risk of growing mold is higher. Jane gives some tips on Azalea care. Many other plants from southeast Asia suffered damage as … Keep in mind that deep soaking less frequently is much better than splashing just a little water on the plants every day. The root ball should be planted above soil grade. Moisture is very important for indoor azaleas. It needs about 2 months of cold -- but not freezing -- temperatures (between 40-55°F/4-13°C) in fall or winter to produce buds. Thereafter. Hi Brenda, “Azaleas grow slowly and rarely need pruning. Over the grey months of winter look out for the many gardens filled with azaleas, … If you live in a climate where sub-freezing temperatures are common, it may save you a lot of trouble if you install stakes while the ground is still unfrozen. Watering Azaleas Water established plants with about 3/4 to 1 inch of water every 10 to 14 days during dry periods, moistening the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. If possible, once a week submerge your potted azalea in a larger container of water, pot and all, so that the potting mix rehydrates thoroughly. SERIES 16 | Episode 13. Continue to water azaleas into the late fall, even after the plants have stopped blooming for the season. The soil must be good quality, loamy topsoil, and acidic, with a pH between 4.5 and 6. It is very important that the soil remains moist and well watered for around a month as … Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Renew mulch around azaleas whenever soil is moist. Soaking the roots at this time hydrates the plant as it goes dormant and protects the plant from drying out when moisture evaporates through the leaves. If you like to fertilize your azalea, be sure not to fertilize the plant after midsummer because new growth that late in the season is more susceptible to cold damage. In the fall, to protect your azaleas from winter’s chill, you can add mulch around your azaleas. Watering AzaleasWaterestablished plants with about 3/4 to 1 inch of waterevery 10 to 14 days during dry periods, moistening the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Choosing types that withstand your winter temperatures is essential to spring blooms. If planted in a sunnier and warmer climate, water azaleas about one to … How to Plant Azaleas: Water newly planted or transplanted azaleas at least twice per week with around 4 litres or a gallon of water. They're shallow-rooted plants and need to be kept uniformly moist so the roots don't dry out, but azaleas can't tolerate soggy soil. Azaleas exposed to full sun will require a little more frequent watering schedule than that, though. Azaleas need to go dormant during the winter season. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Azaleas grow in slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. These fungi thrive in wet conditions. Water the soil at a slow rate, deeply and thoroughly so as to equal close to 1 inch of rain per week during summer months. Wilted leaves that curl inward and droop can be a sign of either root rot or drought. It covers all aspects of azaleas, and describes around 6000 varieties. Water management is key to the health of azaleas. This liquid fertilizer is mixed with water and applied the same as you would water the plant (see product for specific details). Winter Protection for Azaleas Azalea winter care begins in fall, when you should slow down and eventually stop irrigating your plants. Before you buy, look for plants that have deep green foliage, no yellow leaves, no wilt, and well-watered. Water established plants with about 3/4 to 1 inch of water every 10 to 14 days during dry periods, moistening the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Make sure you water at the soil level and avoid wetting the foliage, as this can contribute to fungal disease. Just watch the weather report and cover the azalea if temperatures drop below 25 degrees F. (-3 C.), especially if the drop in temperature is sudden or the plant is young. Caring for azaleas in winter is not difficult if you know what to do and when to do it. Water: Depending on climate and the amount of light your azaleas receive, watering requirements vary. Protect your plant during the winter, if needed, or bring it indoors until spring. Azaleas are one of the few plants that provide showy color all winter long, can be grown in sun or shade, and never need replacing--at least they shouldn’t. 1 Your county extension agent can help with zone information and tips on plants that will thrive. But these are truly ornamentals for all seasons, offering rich, green foliage all summer long. This means you must work hard to prepare the soil before planting. Winter Care of Reblooming Azaleas: Azaleas take up water through their leaves and their roots, so it's fine to wash down the plants with a fine spray as you water. If you are wondering how to take care of azalea bushes, remember that this type of rhododendron plant is picky about soil. Some varieties are adapted to full sun conditions, such as Indica hybrids. Root and crown rot caused by the Phytophthora genus of fungi is a major concern with azaleas. They did good through the winter and have small buds now. Most azaleas can be distinguished from rhododendrons by their leaves. When well established, Encore Azaleas are quite drought tolerant. General Care for a Potted Azalea Plant. Azaleas in a more shaded area and cooler climate prefer less water, about two or three times a month. Azaleas have shallow root systems and require well-drained soil. New plants in sandy soil shouldbe wateredtwo to three times a week in dry weather until they're established. “Azaleas won’t tolerate wet feet,” says Curtis, “so make sure the soil drains well when watering.” Phytophthora, or water mold fungus, is a common It doesn’t take a genius or even a gardener to tell that our azaleas and roses suffered mightily during this winter’s deep freeze. When growing azaleas, it is very important … We planted new ones last fall. What special things should I do for them for the upcoming winter? If plants are not receiving at least 1″ of rainfall per week, supplement with hand watering. It is best to fertilize your azaleas between April through August. Don’t let the cover touch the foliage and avoid covering the plant with plastic, which can trap moisture that can freeze and damage the plant. In the absence of sufficient rainfall, water only as needed to keep the rootball and surrounding soil damp to moist. Although these are low-maintenance shrubs in summer, as the colder season arrives, you’ll have to think about winter care for azaleas. My Crepe Myrtle Is Turning Yellow & Wilting, University of California Cooperative Extension Central Coast & South Region: Evergreen Azaleas, Azalea Society of America: Frequently Asked Questions, Clemson Cooperative Extension: Azalea & Rhododendron Diseases. Approximately a month before the forecast onset of the winter season, you should reduce the amount of water your azaleas are given, because they need to harden before getting hit by frost. The primary source of these nutrients is water, so you will want to give it enough hydration every week. If you’re anything like me, you’ve killed at least one plant from simply overwatering. Azalea books The best-known azalea reference book is Azaleas, by Fred Galle, published by Timber Press. You’ll see split bark or dried leaves if your plant is injured. New plants in sandy soil should be watered two to three times a week in dry weather until they're established. bring color in fall and winter, and often provide the solution for sites with shade and acidic soil. They're shallow-rooted plants and need to be kept uniformly moist so the roots don't dry out, but azaleas can't tolerate soggy soil. If you mulch earlier, move the mulch away from the stems in autumn to permit hardening before winter. They need acid, well-drained, organically enriched soil that should neither get too dry nor remain soggy. The roots of azaleas are delicate rather than strong and easily damaged. And remember that leaf curl on cold days is perfectly normal. Deciduous azaleas aren't usually tolerant of heat over long periods, especially if the nights remain warm. Azaleas grow best in USDA plant hardiness growing zones 6 to 9. If your azalea shows signs of winter damage, you’ll need to provide some protection. New plants in sandy soil should be watered two to three times a week in dry weather until they're established. If you are careful to select varieties hardy to your climate and zone, you may not need to offer much azalea care in the winter. Rhododendrons and azaleas have much the same basic requirements for soil and water. Azaleas are particular about water, declining in health from too little or too much. Azaleas (Rhodondendron spp.) Winter care for azaleas isn’t involved. Azaleas, being evergreen, need moisture in the winter and if the pine bark is dry, or frozen, they will not be able to take the freeze as well. and 30 inches (76 cm.) Aynsley Broom says: March 13, 2019 at 3:51 pm. Water your azaleas regularly until they are established. Don’t use leaves as mulch unless you chop them first; whole leaves have a tendency to form dense mats that can smother the azalea. Brown discoloration of the stem where it meets the soil indicates crown rot. How to get blooms on azalea bush? Azaleas have fibrous, shallow roots, so wet soil can easily damage those roots and deprive them of oxygen. Watering & Fertilizing – Growing Azaleas. Cut back on water by about one-third during the autumn months to toughen the plant for winter, then water thoroughly after the first two or three hard freezes.