QA

Question: When To Feed Rhododendrons And Azaleas

We suggest using Fertilome Azalea, Rhododendron, Camellia Food which should to be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season between flowering in spring and bud set in early fall. Liquid fertilizers can be applied as a supplement, but we highly suggest a slow release granular-based fertilizer for outdoor shrubs.

When should I feed my rhododendron?

Newly planted rhododendrons should receive a light fertilizer dressing in early March and again after flowering. Try Millais Ericaceous Slow Release Feed. They also require plenty of water from June to September, particularly for the first two seasons.

What month do you feed azaleas?

The best time to fertilize is right after spring bloom. This spring application may be all you need, but if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall and a long growing season, you may want to make a second application in mid to late summer, making sure not to fertilize after August 1st.

What is the best fertilizer for azaleas?

If you don’t test the soil, select a general, balanced fertilizer such as 15-15-15. The numbers refer to the proportionate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the product. The nutrient your azalea is most likely to need is nitrogen. This also encourages the shrub to grow faster.

What month do you fertilize rhododendrons?

We suggest using Fertilome Azalea, Rhododendron, Camellia Food which should to be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season between flowering in spring and bud set in early fall. Liquid fertilizers can be applied as a supplement, but we highly suggest a slow release granular-based fertilizer for outdoor shrubs.

Can I use Miracle Grow on azaleas?

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food is a special plant food designed for acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, dogwoods, magnolias, gardenias, orchids and all evergreens. Won’t harm other plants or burn foliage when used as directed. Formerly known as Miracid.

Why are azalea leaves turning yellow?

For azaleas, a decidedly acid-loving plant, a serious iron deficiency caused by the pH of the soil being too alkaline can bring on chlorosis. When the soil’s pH is high, the plant can’t take up the iron and the formation of chlorophyll slows, and leaves turn yellow.

How often should you fertilize azaleas?

Fertilize established azaleas in early spring and again 12 to 16 weeks later, and you’ll provide the nutrients they need for the year. Broadcast the fertilizer over the area under your shrubs and out about 6 inches past the branch tips; then water the entire area well.

Do you need to feed azaleas?

Feed after flowering with a dedicated rhododendron, azalea and camellia fertiliser. Water well and mulch with ericaceous compost or chipped pine bark after feeding. There is no need to prune; if they are becoming too large for the space take out a third of the branches over 3 consecutive years.

Can you fertilize azaleas in winter?

Only add fertilizer for azaleas during late winter or early spring. Else, aim for when they’re in or slightly after bloom. Fertilizing during the off-times is a no-no. You’ll have leafy growth if adding fertilizer too early into their growth cycle.

Are coffee grounds good for azaleas?

Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. And if your soil is already high in nitrogen, the extra boost from coffee grounds could stunt the growth of fruits and flowers.

Why do rhododendron leaves turn yellow?

If your soil is alkaline, you’ve found one reason for rhododendron leaves turning yellow: a mineral deficiency causing chlorosis. These shrubs take up too much calcium and not enough iron in alkaline soils. Chlorosis is very likely when the yellowing is mostly between the veins of new leaves.

Do rhododendrons like bone meal?

Avoid feeding rhododendrons with bone meal as it contains too much calcium.

What is the best fertilizer for rhododendron?

Liquid or water-soluble fertilizer is mixed with water and then poured into the soil. If you are concerned about cost, granular fertilizer is the best fertilizer for rhododendrons since it is the cheapest. Liquid fertilizer passes quickly through the soil and application must be repeated more frequently.

Why is my rhododendron so leggy?

Over time, a rhododendron that isn’t properly maintained will become overgrown and leggy. This process takes off many of the rhododendron branches. Although the plant is bare for a time, the pruning stimulates the shrub to produce vigorous flushes of new growth from old stems that had been bare.

What month is late winter?

When is Late Winter? Late winter is 4 to 6 weeks before spring thaw begins. This could be any time in January to May, depending on your climate.

What’s the difference between azaleas and rhododendrons?

Azaleas are small to medium sized shrubs with many, smaller stems whilst rhododendrons tend to be larger plants with fewer stout stems. Everything about rhododendrons is on a more grand scale, with bigger flowers and foliage than azaleas.

Is growmore good for azaleas?

Growmore is OK but it it can burn so dont put on too much.

Do azaleas like lots of water?

During the first year and in the summer, give your Encore Azaleas plenty of water. Soak the soil two inches deep twice per week. In extreme heat and drought, three times per week might be helpful.