Even the beginner can easily learn care for rhododendrons, flowering shrubs that includes azaleas. More than a thousand species are known to grow from the foothills of the Himalayas, to western China, Japan, northern India and both coastal regions of the U.S. Fertilizing times vary according to your region, but the simple application techniques do not vary. Watch your results over several growing seasons and you will be highly rewarded with profuse blooms and healthy foliage.
During Planting
The original placement is important to the overall health of "rhodies" (as they are affectionately referred to) and azaleas. They prefer a cool area in partial shade, not exposed to hot, full sun and drying winds for long periods of time. Don't crowd out shorter varieties with taller types. Each shrub needs breathing space and light.
Acidic, fertile soil is ideal. Bring a soil sample to your county or state extension service, or test it yourself with a simple home test kit. A pH level of 4.5 to 5.5 is perfect. Improve your soil by adding a fertile potting mix into the planting hole and mix it together with the surrounding soil with a small shovel or by hand.
Fertilizing
If you have the proper soil, evergreen types will need little fertilization. But young plants need a light application of specialized rhododendron and azalea food--or natural soil additives--for several years. Deciduous (leaf dropping) types need a light application two to three times a year.
Commercial plant foods usually need to be mixed with water and applied around the base of the shrub. When using natural additives, loosen soil around the base and incorporate in by hand. Keep the soil uniformly moist, especially during the hot summer months.
Regional Considerations
In the Northwest, fertilize in late January, once during blooming, and add a final application before the end of June when blooming stops.
In the Southeast, fertilize in March, during bloom, and then in July.
In California, fertilize after growth has started in spring, then in mid-summer and fall.
Natural Soil Conditioning
If your soil tests low in phosphorus, add it to encourage strong flower production.
If older leaves have yellow areas between the veins, add magnesium in the form of Epsom salts. Buy the least expensive form in a drug store.
If younger leaves have yellow areas between the veins, add iron. The yellow areas usually means the pH levels are too high and need to be corrected. For a quick solution, spray the leaves with chelated iron or add ferrous sulfate to the soil.
Calcium is an essential element for good growth. Use gypsum if your pH levels are in the correct range. It won't raise or lower the pH level. Add agricultural lime to raise pH levels.
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