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So, here’s a quick guide: if the mature spread of your azalea is 3 feet, then set your azaleas in the ground 3-feet-apart on center. This will allow your azaleas to touch and form a formal hedge at maturity. If you prefer a mounded natural look with space between plants, then consider 4- to 5-foot spacing on center.
How much space do azaleas need?
These plants do best when spaced at least 2 to 5 feet apart depending on their mature size. They can grow to different heights and width as follows: Plants under 3 feet tall – space the plants at least 2 feet apart. Plants that can grow up to 3 to 5 feet tall – Leave at least 2 to 3 feet between each plant.
What happens if you plant azaleas too close together?
Planting azaleas too close reduces air flow for the plants. Lack of air moving through the branches slows the time is takes for moisture to dry on the leaves and branches. Excessive moisture increases the risk of fungal diseases that can damage or kill the plant.
What month do you plant azaleas?
Know the Best Time to Plant Azaleas Spring and fall, when temperatures are cool, are excellent times. But if you buy in spring when the azaleas are blooming, you’ll be assured of getting the colors you want. Summer planting is okay, but you’ll have to water more frequently during hot weather.
How tall and wide do azaleas grow?
Azaleas prefer a partially shady location and do well under the canopy of taller deciduous trees. The plants will eventually grow 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide so be sure to give them plenty of room to stretch out as they mature.
Where’s the best place to plant an azalea?
Where to Plant Azaleas. Select a location that has morning sun and afternoon shade, or filtered light. Hot all-day sun can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to pests. Azaleas also require well-drained, acidic soil.
What should I plant next to azaleas?
Among the most popular companion plants for Rhododendrons and Azaleas are Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel) and Pieris japonica (Japanese andromeda). Both species are medium-size evergreen shrubs with great flower interest and they provide a textural contrast to Azaleas and Rhododendrons.
Can you plant different azaleas together?
Pair deciduous azaleas with other deciduous azaleas, and match evergreens with each other. Combining deciduous azaleas with evergreen azaleas in an overall planting is fine, but when placed side by side they generally look best with their own kind.
How far apart do you plant dwarf azaleas?
Plant in spring or early fall. Space plants 2 to 6 feet apart, depending on their estimated mature size. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 2 times as wide. Set new plants so that their top roots are at soil level or slightly below.
Do azaleas like sun or shade?
Azaleas do well in full sun or part shade (about four hours of sun). Planted in full sun, azaleas will be more compact and floriferous. When planted in part shade, they will stretch toward the sunlight and form a more graceful habit; flowers will not be as plentiful but will last longer.
How do you keep azaleas blooming?
How Do I Get Azaleas To Produce More Blooms Ensure the plants are getting enough sunlight. Deadhead spent blooms each year. Fertilize after blooming using a balanced fertilizer. Apply a layer of mulch and provide sufficient moisture to the plants. Protect the plants during harsh winters.
Are azaleas hard to maintain?
When azaleas burst into bloom, it’s hard to resist the urge to add one or more to your landscape. Despite a reputation for being finicky, these spectacular shrubs are easy to grow once you understand their basics needs.
Are azaleas high maintenance?
Azaleas are not high-maintenance plants. If anything, attention to pruning, watering until the plants are established, and a winter’s blanket of mulch are all that’s required.
How long does it take an azalea to grow?
The 1-gallon plants are 9- to 12-months younger than 3-gallon plants, and will take the longest to reach full size (6 to 7 years). If you purchase large 7-gallon plants, these have been growing 3 to 4 years at the nursery and will take another 3 to 4 years to reach a mature look in the landscape.
How fast do azaleas grow per year?
This shrub grows at a slow rate, with height increases of less than 12″ per year.
Can azaleas take afternoon sun?
Azaleas can tolerate 4-6 hours of morning sun with shade in the afternoon if you follow the best practices or dappled light. The more direct sunlight for an azalea, the greater the risk of drought. Azaleas have shallow roots and require moist soil.
How do you plant an azalea in the ground?
Planting Steps: Turn the soil well and dig a hole twice as wide as it is deep. Mix some organic material with some soil. Remove the azalea from its container and loosen the root ball lightly with your fingers. Set the plant into your prepared hole, making sure the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
How do you make azalea bushier?
To maintain a more compact appearance or simply to encourage bushier growth, trim azaleas after their blooming period has expired. Taking time to trim azaleas by cutting back the branches of these shrubs will also help renew overgrown plants.
Do azaleas need deadheading?
Just two applications a season will give the plants exactly what they need for growth and flowering. Vitax Azalea, Rhododendron and Shrub fertiliser can be used on plants in pots and in the open ground. Deadheading. Removing the faded flowers from evergreen and deciduous azaleas is unnecessary.
Can you plant hostas with azaleas?
Shade-loving Hostas are natural companion plants to Rhododendrons and Azaleas. They are not only suitable and desirable, but they give an extra dimension to the garden when combined with the glorious blossoms of Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
