Rhododendron | Tips And Secrets

Hints and Tips For Growing Azaleas

Conditions for growing Azaleas are similar to the closely related Rhododendron. Azaleas produce beautiful bright spring color flowers.

Two basic types of Azalea include evergreens that produce two sets of leaves every year with one shed during the fall and another in spring, and deciduous, that lose their leaves in the fall. Some of the bright colors we see in these lovely blooms may range from sunny yellow to intense hues of magenta.

Azalea plants will thrive better in moderate temperatures and considerably humid places.

Since there are dozens of varieties, you are bound to find one that will fit well into your garden.

Click the image above
to order this variety

Like Rhododendrons, Azaleas prefer rich, acidic soil of around 5.5-6.0 with efficient drainage and sufficient moisture.
They will grow well if the soil is enriched with organic matter; compost and leaf mold. However, soil that is sandy or clay will not encourage much growth. Azaleas can take in the full sun, but their bright flowers will bleach out of color in just a few days.

It is better to place azaleas under the morning sun while kept under filtered light from the afternoon onwards. Azaleas should also be protected rom the harsh exposure of heat from the sun and cold wind.

They should be planted to lean against a fence, hedge or building for support as this will keep young buds guarded against late winter season and early spring. Planting Azaleas in large containers may be your best bet. It is important not to plant in too deep though as this will kill the plant. Azaleas are best planted during fall so they can get time to settle before the winter season comes around.

There is always a huge choice available on eBay, here’s a selection:

Hints and Tips For Growing Azaleas

: Image by Kopfjäger via Flickr

»Avoiding Plant Fungus during the summer

»Gardening Advice for Beginner Gardeners

»Growing Clematis Tips for Beautiful Clematis Blooms

»Growing Petunias

»Growing Rhododendrons

»Hints and Tips for Flower Gardening

»Hints and Tips for Growing Geraniums

»Hints and Tips for Growing Hydrangeas

»Hints and Tips for Growing Lilacs

»Hints and Tips On Growing Fuchsias

Tags: compost. soil, evergreens, Garden, growing azaleas, Rhododendron

Read Users' Comments (0)

Growing Rhododendrons

Posted in Flower Gardening

Although gardeners have been cultivating Rhododendrons since the 18th century, they didn’t become more widely known until the 1900′s. At present, there are now more than 900 species and 8,000 varieties of Rhododendron worldwide. Rhododendrons are a related variety of the Azaleas that grow in a great variety of shapes and sizes.

The growth of rhododendrons ultimately depends on the climate of the country where it is planted. They perform best when the exposed to direct sunlightfor less than four hours a day.

Rhododendrons grow much better under more sheltered conditions, away from damaging cold winds. They require an acid soil of pH level of 5 or less, although it is still possible to grow rhododendrons on a slightly higher pH level of soil. The soil that grows rhododendrons should be treated with acidifier to prevent yellowing leaves or poor growth.

It is suggested that to improve the soil, you should mix in organic matter before planting. Bear in mind to avoid using mushroom compost as it may contain lime with a high pH level, which is not suitable for planting rhododendrons.

Rhododendrons’ roots tend to be quite shallow, so they should be planted at the same depth as they were grown in the pot. Forking around the plant to rid off the weeds is not advisable so as to not disrupt the roots. Instead, have ground-cover plants such as hostas and Geranium macrorrhizum that will surround the plant with a thick carpeting of leaves and flowers.

Once the rhododendrons are planted, there is less need for feeding or pruning. Given that it is planted under an ideal condition, rhododendrons do not require much attention or care. However, deadheading after flowering is recommended as it directs the energy of the flowering plant to the formation of new flower buds. Subsequently, it also improves the health of the plant.

There is always a huge choice available on eBay, here’s a selection:

Amazon.com Widgets