Azaleas For All Climate Gardens and Patios

Few climates rule out azaleas and rhododendrons completely. There are iron-clad hardy rhododendrons that will take -20° winters; some of the deciduous azaleas stand up to -30° winters. The Pacific Northwest is the “natural” rhododendron climate, but you find active chapters of the Rhododendron Society around the country.

Azalea breeders have developed evergreen hybrids for -15 ° winters and other hybridists continue to develop strains for hot summer conditions.

Azaleas are so well suited to growing in pots and tubs that they are used more and more as patio plants. The fact that container plants can be protected in winter and given special attention in summer is makes azaleas all-climate plants.

Culture

One reason for the spread of azaleas and rhododendrons into climates once considered antagonistic to these plants is the discovery that by planting in pure sphagnum peat moss, or a mixture of peat moss and sand, the native soil can be ignored.

Since these plants are shallow rooted, it is not necessary to dig a deep planting area. An 18-inch deep bed of the peat sand mixture is all you need. Of course, when growing in pots and containers this special “soil” is ideal.

Remember, in using such mixes, a consistent fertilizing program is necessary. The ideal food for azaleas and rhododendrons is one designed specifically for the. Ask at your local garden center. Liquid food works great and you’ll get the best growth if you use it frequently.

Start fertilizing at the end of spring after the plants have bloomed and continue to August or September.

Water to keep mulch and soil moist at all times but never soggy. If drainage is taken care of the peat moss-sand mixture is difficult to water log.

During the dry season, hose off the foliage regularly to improve the appearance of their shiny leaves and to discourage red spider.

Pests on foliage – Seasonally look at preventing attacks of the most common azalea and rhododendron pests scale, red spider, white fly, and lace bug.

Root weevils – In the grub stage, root weevils feed on the roots of the plants; in the adult stage they feed on leaves.

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