Rhododendron and Azalea
Know how to grow Rhododendron and azalea, Growing Rhododendron, Azalea bush in pots, azaleas care, and more about this plant. Both Azaleas and Rhododendrons are from Rhododendron genus. Experts have difficulty in separating some plants. But both are the same bushes. Both of these are the favorite shrubs of the South. It has more than 800 species.
About Rhododendron and Azalea
Rhododendron and Azalea prefer partial shadows. This requires acidic and well-drained soil, in which many organic materials are found. Most of the Azaleas and Rhododendron are hardy US Department of Agriculture’s hardiness zones 5 to 8. Some are spread over zone 9. From a technical perspective, the rhododendron flowers are shaped like bells and have ten or more stamens and leaves are usually large and leathery, while the Azalea blossom is generally funnel-shaped and has five stamens. Small azalea leaves are usually narrow and sharp.
Classification azaleas
Scientific name Rhododendron
Plant type Shrub
Sun required Part sun
Soil Acidic
Flower color White, Red, Pink, Yellow, and Purple
Blooming time Spring, Summer
Zone 4-9
How to grow azaleas
Azalea bush is a very popular plant in parts of the South, and in almost every garden this decoration is increasing. It can be easily planted in the container in the terrace garden and patio. Azaleas are however more accommodating, and they can be grown throughout the South with the necessary attention to soil, light, and proper selection. Azalea bush grows from the ground to 1 to 2 feet in height. Although many species bloom in the spring, there are also species that bloom in summer. Some easy steps to applying Azalea are telling you, Nature Bring.
Growing condition Azaleas
- Rhododendron is a plant that grows in acidic soil, which prefers partial sun. It should be protected from noon shadow. They prefer moisture and completely dry and soil 5.5 pH. Before planting, check the soil, especially in areas where the soil is more alkaline. Mix the inorganic substances as needed to adjust the soil.
- The choice of place is very important before its plantation. Continuous flowing winds cause damage to these plants. If possible, choose a place where there is no direct sunlight. Its protection from the afternoon sun is important. Good option its protection by any building or hedgerow.
- Azalea bush prefers damp soil, even in the fall.
- Pine needles help keep the soil moist and maintain the acidity of the soil. Its roots are shallow, therefore the root system will help to remove the untreated weeds.
How to grow Rhododendron in containers
More than 1000 types of Rhododendron are available in attractive colors, which give your garden an evergreen look. By taking proper care of it you can easily plant them in the containers.
- In the container, select the dwarf variety that grows in your climate, try to keep it within a height of 3 to 5 feet. The popular dwarf variety is most yaks, Rhododendron lutescens, and “Ostbo’s Red Elizabeth”.
- When choosing the container, keep in mind the shape of the Rhododendron. Depending on the rule of thumb, the container size should be about one-third of the container brought from the nursery. Before planting, check the drainage hole on the surface of the pot, poor drainage can damage the plant.
- Prepare the surface of gravel or broken clay pot on the base before planting.
- With the potting mix, fill the container up to two-thirds height. Keep in mind it likes acidic pH. Now plant the bush brought from the nursery and fill it with the remaining soil. Do not fill the container to the top, leave a few inches from the top. Now drink your plant well.
- Place the container in a place where there is plenty of indirect sunlight coming in.
- Azalea bush plants are of the shallow root system, so to keep moisture, you should use mulch.
- When the surface of the soil is dry, give it water. Encourage growth, use acid-loving plant fertilizer every spring, and repot the plant every one to two years. Read more.
Azaleas care
- The best time to grow the Rhododendron is late spring or early fall is good. Evergreen Azalea requires wind protection and partial shade. Deciduous species bloom well in full sunlight.
- The well-drained and slightly acidic soil is good for azaleas.
- Since Rhododendron is a shallow root. So it quickly dries out. Can use pine needles to maintain moisture.
- Rhododendron does not require fertilizer. The decaying mulch caters to all the nutritious requirements of azaleas. Add a slowly released fertilizer when the azaleas dormant between late fall and early spring.
- Once planted, Rhododendron does not usually have the problem of insects and disease. Water requirement is important during dry weather.
- It requires a little care when established it. Water is the main requirement during dry weather.
- The temperature above 85 degrees damages azaleas. However, there are some species that tolerate more heat. In the cold days, the gardener will cover it or shift it to hot places.
- Plants need a little pruning. Cut some spindliest branches, it encourages the other branches. The plant can be cutting lightly to give a proper shape. Read more.
Pests and disease azalea bush
Generally, these plants do not have problems with pests and diseases. There are some problems, insects that affect the azaleas are lace insects and spiders. Lace worms affect the plants that grow in the sun. Leaves, leaf spots, and root rot are common diseases related to decaying shrubs. Due to drainage and proper environment, these problems get rid of a great deal.
Read also: how to grow Gardenia plants. How to grow Ridge gourd in containers. Growing Crossandra plants in containers. marigold growing and caring. Begonia houseplant growing and care. Growing and caring Rambutan. Tinda growing and caring. Pointed gourd cultivation. Kaffir lily growing and caring guide.
Happy Gardening.
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