Expert tips for perfect azaleas

Long adored for their luscious blooms and stately stature in the garden, azaleas remain one of the most popular shrubs in modern-day landscapes. But to ensure that these super-bloomers operate at peak performance, there are a few tips that every well-intentioned gardener must know.

Buddy Lee, past president of the Azalea Society of America, is best known for introducing American gardens to the Encore azalea - the only patented brand of azalea to bloom in spring, summer and fall - and offers advice for planting.

Check and double check sun exposure:

Encore azaleas like more sun than traditional azaleas. "Planting Encore Azaleas in a location that lacks adequate sunlight is the biggest, but easiest mistake to make," he said. Encore Azaleas need a minimum of four to six hours of sunlight a day for optimal blooming. He advises that gardeners evaluate the amount of sunlight the azalea will receive over the course of a few days before planting. "Monitor sunlight periodically from morning to late afternoon," he said. "Be certain that the spot you select offers a steady stream of sunlight for at least four hours." Planting azaleas in areas that receive direct harsh evening summer sun should be avoided. "When selecting a site for your azalea, don't forget to take into consideration the shade-bearing trees planted nearby," Lee adds. A sunny spot for your azalea may quickly become too densely shaded as trees mature.

Prevent Dehydration:

"Watering wisely is something that we all want to be conscious of these days," says Lee. "The good news is that it's easy if a few careful steps are taken." Lee recommends that gardeners apply approximately 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of new and previously planted azaleas to cover roots. This will hold in moisture and will protect the root ball from sun. He also suggests incorporating acidic organic media, such as shredded bark, with the soil to encourage good root development, an especially important step in areas with sandy or heavy clay soil. "Water thoroughly, when needed, once to twice a week, preferably in the early evening or afternoon when the sun's intensity begins to decline. This is the best way to ensure maximum water uptake."

Feed Well But Less Often:

According to Lee, azaleas must receive adequate nutrition. "Having spent most of my life growing and breeding azaleas, I've seen the enormous effect an appropriate, well-balanced diet has on an azalea - larger blooms, extended bloom seasons, enhanced disease resistance, lush foliage and overall performance," Lee says, explaining that the best time to fertilizer an azalea is right after the spring bloom.

For more information, visit www.florikan.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent