Like all species in the rhododendron family, azaleas are acid-loving plants.
Maintaining thecorrect pH level of 4.5 to 6.0is key to the health of your shrub.
Once established, azaleas don’t need muchfertilizer.
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You’ll see better results with organic products andsoil amendmentslike compost and mulches.
The best time to fertilize azaleas is during their dormancy between late fall and early spring.
Always apply fertilizer when the soil is moist and the fertilizer will be watered in by rain or irrigation.
Never fertilize azaleas during dry weather or a drought.
The lack of moisture causes fertilizer burn in the plant.
Some fertilizers labeled for flowering trees and shrubs also may have the correct NPK balance for azaleas.
That’s because the shallow roots of azaleas pull nutrients from the soil area beyond the foliage.
Always apply fertilizer when the soil is moist.
The difference is that these flowering shrubs require an environment higher in acidity than most other garden plants.
Have your soil tested before planting azaleas andtake steps to raiseorlower pHto the correct level.
Incorrect pH results in plants that struggle or fail to thrive.
Starting out with the correct acidity level is easier than trying to make adjustments after planting.
Organic soil acidifiers work best to support the correct pH balance and nutritional needs of azaleas.
Mulches consisting of compost, shredded leaves, pine straw.
and other organic materials are often sufficient to feed these flowering shrubs.
Trim azaleas once the bloom period ends.
For reblooming azaleas, stop pruning two monthsbefore the first frostin your growing zone.
The best fertilizers for azaleas are labeled specifically for acid-loving plants.
The Azalea Society of America.
