Illustrated Tutorial on Planting Rhododendrons How to Plant Rhododendrons

Every spring, pink, red and white azaleas adorn many Southern yards. Rhododendrons are easy to grow and can bloom for many years with the right care. Evergreen varieties bring life to the yard even in winter. Follow the steps below to learn how to grow and care for azaleas.

Illustrated tutorial on planting azaleas. This manual DIY tutorial includes: preparation, planting, and pruning. If you want to learn how to plant azaleas, read this illustrated tutorial on planting azaleas from the Department of Production. Bar!

Preparation

1Choose the right variety. Azaleas are popular in the southeastern United States because they are suited to less cold winters and longer summers. Rhododendrons are hardy and require little maintenance. Different varieties of rhododendrons have different maintenance methods. You should look at the varieties clearly when purchasing, so that you can grow satisfactory flowers.
- There are two main types of azaleas: native azaleas, which grow like vines and require no pruning, and Asian azaleas, which grow like shrubs.
- There are two varieties of Asian azaleas, both evergreen:
  - Kurume azalea. The color is bright red and the extension area is not large. Can be planted in pots, beds or in the ground. No higher than 1.2 meters. Only simple maintenance is required.
  - South Indian Rhododendron. On the contrary, grow taller. They come in many colors, with pink and white being the most common, and can grow as tall as a window or door. If you have a lot of space, you can grow this variety, but it will require pruning.
- When selecting varieties, you can refer to the recommendations of the local agricultural association. Descriptions of each rhododendron variety are also available online and at plantations. You can choose one or more types of azaleas to plant in your garden.
2Choose a sheltered resettlement location. Find a shady spot in the yard where the sunlight can filter through. This kind of light is most suitable for the growth of rhododendrons.The light is too strong and not suitable. According to the American Rhododendron Society, azaleas grow best in the shade.
- There are also varieties that can tolerate stronger sunlight, so choose those if your garden does not have shade.
3Ensure smooth drainage. Azaleas need well-drained soil, not soil that gets stagnant after a rain. To know if drainage is good, dig a hole before it rains. If there is standing water after a rain, it means there is poor drainage and the clay content may be too high. If there is no accumulation of water in the pit after a rain, it means the soil is well drained.
- If the soil does not drain well, you may need to add compost or other organic matter to loosen it. Dig out a few dozen centimeters of soil, shovel it into pieces, and mix in compost. Or plant in pots or raised beds, where drainage is easier to control.
4Test the pH of the soil. Azaleas are suitable for acidic soil, such as pH 5.5 or 6. If the soil is too alkaline, use sulfur to balance it.

Planting

1Dig a hole for planting. Use a shovel to dig a hole deep enough to bury the azalea roots. Width slightly wider than root system. After placing the azalea, the roots are slightly exposed from the soil. Fill back with soil, sprinkling soil around the roots, and pat tight with your hands.
- Water before planting. Soak the azalea roots in a bucket or spray them with a water hose before planting.
- If you plant multiple azaleas, keep a few dozen centimeters apart.
2Water. Water slowly and thoroughly. Water the day after planting. Water at least once a week, more frequently if exposed to direct sunlight. Don't let the azalea dry out or it will wilt.
3Add mulch after the flowers naturally wither. Use pine bark, pine needles or wood chips. Mulch maintains soil moisture and temperature and keeps weeds at bay.
4Apply fertilizer when necessary. If the soil is acidic and nutritious, frequent fertilization is not needed. If you want to fertilize, do it in the spring after the flowers have naturally faded. Use cottonseed organic fertilizer or other specific fertilizers.
- Incorrect fertilization may cause the flowering period of azaleas to be disrupted, so do not fertilize indiscriminately.

Pruning

1Put off dead branches in spring. Early pruning can rejuvenate your azaleas. Find dead branches and other areas that need pruning. Use scissors to cut off excess branches and dead branches.
- Don’t prune too much in spring. Healthy branches that have been pruned would have produced beautiful flowers. Major pruning will have to wait until summer.
2Prune lightly after the flowers naturally wither. You can restyle it at this time. Cut off overly long or uneven branches to restore the azaleas original shape. Cutting off excess branches can avoid crowding, allow air to circulate naturally, and make azaleas more beautiful. Trim carefully and do not cut haphazardly with large scissors.
- Don’t prune too late. Prune within three months after the flowers naturally wither, otherwise it will affect the next years growth.
3Carry out major pruning if necessary. If your rhododendron grows too big, you can perform a major pruning to allow it to re-grow foliage. It should also be pruned after the flowers naturally wither in spring, so that there will be a buffer period and the next flowering period will not be affected.

Tips

Some people think that azaleas bloom once a year and then stop blooming. You can let it stay in low temperature for two months and it will bloom again.
If you notice yellowing petals or leaf spots, use an antibacterial spray to prevent fungal infection. .