Azaleas produce beautiful , pink flower that make a fantastic improver to any garden . I need to add them as part of my container garden . So I work about realise how I could grow them in a pot .
azalea are shallow - rooted plants , so use a pot where the radical ball can seat well into the land but not too deep . utilise potting grunge that has the loamy clay texture so the theme get required moisture and nutrients . bestow compost and constituent fertilizer every month to the potting grease .
1. Pick the best time to grow
The in effect sentence to plant azalea in yourcontainer gardenis in the tardy spring or former fall . These President George W. Bush will typically blossom in spring . In some temperate climates , they may blossom in later outflow .
Either way of life , implant in later spring or early free fall give the source system some clip to grow .
If possible , aim to constitute in the fall . Fall planting is betterbecause the roots can develop during the dormant winter season . Rather than focusing on producing foliage , the plant life will divert its vigour to the origin .
Plastic containers I bought for plants
Deciduous vs. Evergreen Azaleas
There are two principal varieties of azalea available . For both selection , late springtime and other declension planting are unspoilt . But , the nature of these varieties can help you determine which alternative is ripe for you .
Deciduous varieties are azaleas that fall behind all of their leaf in the fall . Typically , these chaparral get larger and produce bigger leave of absence in the spring . They can also suffer frigid climates .
Because deciduous azalea drop their leave-taking , fall planting is idealistic . The lack of foliage makes the bush more manageable . Plus , the plant life is practically dormant in the capitulation . This lead in less stress when planting .
Whiteflies on my pepper plant leaves
Evergreen azalea varieties are a minute different . These plants spring up leaves all year long . Even without flowers , they are a beautiful ornamental bush .
These type of azaleas can tolerate fountain planting . While they wo n’t produce flowers until the come after yr , you could enjoy the foliage in the meantime .
2. Choose the right pot
consider it or not , azaleas are one of the best plants to originate in a container . The modal size can vary quite a second establish on the cultivar . But , all azalea bushes bide comparatively compact .
They do not spread out astray like other bushes . Not only that , the works will no grow beyond the means of the container its in . So , you could easily command its size by keep it in a jackpot .
But what eccentric of heap is undecomposed ?
Organic neem oil I use on my plants
The first affair to consider is sizing . Go for a potbelly that ’s atleast 16 in in diameter . you may get a larger one if you ’re plant one of the larger azalea cultivar .
The pot should also be just as deep . Most azalea origin crowns penetrate no deeper than 12 column inch . Comparatively speaking , that ’s not very mystifying . But you should still avoid shallow quite a little that will throttle root growth .
For cloth , take a heavyset and perdurable alternative . Terracotta , ceramic , and cadaver body of work best .
Plastic Mary Jane work , too . But , you have to call back that plastic pots do not provide insulation to the soil . Container plants experience more weather exposure than plants in the priming . uttermost cold or exuberant oestrus could spell trouble .
A wooden-headed ceramic or terracotta pot will isolate the grunge and root disregardless of the weather conditions .
ultimately , take a look at the bottom of the mickle . Make certain there ’s at least one drain hole . If you have the agency to do so , drill a twain more . Azaleas need adequate drain to avoid source rot .
ensure you have a suitable stand as well so that thedrainage holesaren’t stuff by the ground or a tray .
3. Use the best potting soil
Here ’s a little - known fact : Azaleas are ericaceous works .
This mean that they preferacidic grunge . These plant hate alkaline soil and may not grow in good order if the pH balance is n’t right . You need pH levels between 4.5 and 6.0 . Do not practice a soil that ’s any higher than 7.0 . This will only result in stunted growth .
Chances are , you ’re move to have to amend your pot land before you plant your azalea . Choose a well - draining soil . knead the soil to loosen it up and infuse some air into the mix . Then , repair it with compost .
Like any other plant , azalea like nutrient - rich uprise environments . When you ’re first planting the scrub , those nutrient are vital . It ’s best to addcompostand organic plant food beforehand so the azalea can begin on the right infantry .
To lower the pH level , add peat moss . Peat moss make the growing medium more acidic , which is substantive for this plant .
Do this several months before you ’re quick to establish . Changing pH story is a slow process . It may take well over three months to get right .
Check the pH grade after three months . add together more peat moss if necessary .
4. Plant the azaleas in the pot
Most gardeners source young azaleas from nurseries . These young plants are commonly grown frompropagation . Propagated works develop much quicker and can start acquire blooms in as little as 2 to 3 years .
Planting the azalea in its new slew is bare . It ’s just a matter of transplanting .
Once your soil is good and quick , grok a hole that ’s the same profundity as the glasshouse container . You do n’t take to remove the soil to expose the rootage . Simply place the baby’s room plant life into your newfangled smoke . Then , water system it immediately and go for a thin layer of mulch to protect the base .
Make certain that you ’re not plant the azalea too mystifying . Deep planting causes radical moulder and a host of other problems .
5. Planting from Seed
It is potential to grow azaleas from seed . However , it can take several geezerhood to mature and start bloom .
To germinate the seed , plant them directly in the stool . Place several seminal fluid on the surface of the soil to increase sprouting rates . Spread them evenly and make certain that germ are n’t sitting on top of each other .
cover up the source with a thin layer of soil . Then , put the wad in a strong environment with temperatures around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit . Position a fluorescent growing lamp about 12 inches above the tidy sum and dampen the seeded player .
Even in idealistic growing conditions , the seed can take up to a month to sprout .
6. Place the pot in the right location
The beauty of growing azaleas in a pot is that you have full control over its get environment . These plants are a number more sensitive to light and temperature . So , you require to take time and select the perfect place .
Sunlight
azalea need fond shade . The plant should receive morning Sunday but have protection during the good afternoon .
Dappled sunlight is best for azalea . you may put them on the east side of a large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . That way , the plant will get batch of sun exposure early on in the daytime . But by the time the sunshine rises , the canopy of the tree will keep it shelter .
Do not put the azalea in full sun or full tincture . You must leave a happy medium between the two . Either extreme will get some growth problems as the plant develops .
Temperature
Ideal daytime temperatures for azalea are around 60 to 65 academic degree . This is just an norm . There are thousand of dissimilar azalea cultivars . Some of them may tolerate warm or cooler temperatures .
by and large , 60 to 65 level is honorable throughout the day . azalea can tolerate temperatures as high as 85 point and as abject as 45 degree . But , they can only handle brief exposure .
Anything beyond those temperature ranges will require additional protective covering . you may tent the plants during the winter to avoid freeze . However , most gardener will plainly move the plant inside during the winter .
7. Water the azalea plants
Watering azaleas is n’t as prosperous as you might think . These flora can be a mo finicky about their water requirements .
They opt to have uniformly moist grease at all times . Yet , soggy soil is something the plant does not allow . So , it ’s a fine balance betweenoverwatering and underwatering .
Generally , launch plants involve between three quarters to a full inch of water every two workweek or so . There ’s a second of wiggle room here depending on how dry and hot the temperature is .
Newly planted azalea , however , will need a bit more water . You must provide a bit of water a few times a calendar week to keep the soil moist until the flora matures .
When you irrigate the plant , moisten the land to a depth of 10 to 12 inches . Make certain that the pot has proper drain to let any excess seep out .
8. Prune the azalea plant
Pruning azaleas is a pretty straightforward process . As I mentioned before , these industrial plant are quite stocky .
Unless you ’re deal with overgrowth event , there ’s no motive to prune them at all . Azalea shrub have a by nature elegant shape . As a result , most plants need minimal pruning .
It ’s best to dress the plant in the recent spring or early summertime . Wait until the flowers shrivel up and start to fall off . Grab a pair of hand clipper and rivet on any outgrowth that extends beyond the shape of the bush .
To remove overgrown branch , go deep into the bush to line up where the branch originates . Clip it off at the split next to a large woody outgrowth .
Continue to absent any overgrown branches . Light Within pruning can do a lot to aid fresh strain and sunlight make its way to the center of the shrub .
you’re able to also do major pruning . However , this is only necessary when the flora gets too grown for its surroundings . disregardless of how large the bush is , you may trim it down to about a pes tall . Just keep in mind that the industrial plant will take several year to produce flowers again after a major pruning business .
Whatever you do , never prune your azaleas in the late summer , fall , or winter . Doing so will only remove flower bud and prevent the bush from bloom next yr .
9. Apply fertilizer to the azalea
Fertilization may be necessary sometime in the future . Fertilizers provide a rise of nutrients that can avail the industrial plant produce healthier growth and more salad days .
In the beginning , fertilizer app are n’t necessary . But , you may have some issues later on down the road because of nutrient depletion in the soil . azalea have shallow root that ca n’t penetrate very cryptic . As a outcome , the plant will have problems accessing nutrients once the topsoil in your corporation is stark .
Aim to feed your azalea in the tardy winter or early fountain . Never fertilize outside of this windowpane . If you fertilize the plant when it ’s not raise buds , you ’re just going to produce more foliage . The goal is to create hefty blossom , not raise extra vegetation .
There are a duo of ways to fertilize azalea . If you require to go the innate road , you could easy utilise some organic compost . you could side do the industrial plant or work it into the grease around the base of the plant .
If you ’d rather go the commercial fertilizer route , that work , too . Pick a nitrogen - robust fertilizer . Any stock all - purpose fertilizer product should operate well . Use a water - soluble chemical formula and create your miscellanea grant to the instructions .
irrigate your works and apply the fertilizer to about 6 inches past the bakshis of the arm . This should infuse the territory enough to support the plant for the rest of the twelvemonth .
10. Protect the azalea from weeds
Weedscan be a major job for some nurseryman . gage will leech nutrients from the soil . This strip your plant of using them .
You have a couple of way to portion out with weeds . The first is with an herbicide . Herbicides do a fantastical business of killing smoke . But , you have to be deliberate about the type of intersection you apply and how you apply it . Herbicides could also kill your azalea if you ’re not measured .
The good type of herbicide to use is a pre - emergent product . Pre - emergent herbicides attack weeds before they shoot . You must employ them in the late winter and early spring to control weed growth during the warmer month .
employ a pre - emergent herbicide that contains dichlorprop or dicamba . Those constituent are selective and attack liberal - leafage weeds . Avoid products that contain bentazon , oryzalin , or fluazifop . Those ingredients have a nasty reputation for harming azaleas .
Another option is to practice mulch . This is an organic solution that stops weeds from getting the brightness level they need to acquire . Plus , mulch can also keep the soil moist for much longer .
apply true pine bark , wood chips , or pine needles . Apply a generous layer of mulchon top of the soil to ensure that smoke do not acquire anywhere near the plant . Make certain you ’re bequeath some assailable space around the bow to prevent rot .
11. Protect the azalea from pests and diseases
Azalea plants are not resistant to pests and disease . alas , there are several potential problems that you ask to seem out for .
Pests
The most vulgar pestilence to attack azalea are bark scale leaf , caterpillars , lace bugs , leafminers , andwhiteflies .
Most of these pests will assault the foliage and stems . They’lleat their way through the leavesof your works , allow for them damaged and discolored . fortunately , they ’re pretty easy to treat .
you’re able to remove azaleascaterpillarsby hand . Do n’t concern : they beat no threat to human . For the other pesterer , insecticidal soaps andneem oilwill do the whoremonger . you’re able to also use chemical substance or organic pesticide .
One pestilence may pose a bigger problem . Azalea nematodes will attack the confluent roots of your plant . With major infestations , the plant will turn chickenhearted and experience stunted growth . These bug do not respond to pesticide treatments . But , you may foreclose infestations by avoiding superfluous wet .
Diseases
The most common disease that affect azalea are a result of fungal spores . Powdery mildew , rust , and petal blight cause discolouration throughout the plant . In most cases , you may conclude the issue withfungicide .
Issues like twig blight , azalea gall , and even rust are most weigh . These diseases cause stem and leaves to shrivel up . The diseases also circulate . So , you must control the diseases with pruning to preclude them from killing the full works .
Fact Checked , Written , and put out by Kevin Rodrigues
Kevin is the founder of Gardening Mentor , a website that aims to instruct people to grow their own food in a special space . As a ego - instruct nurseryman , Kevin has spent several class growing plants and creating horticulture contentedness on the website . He is attest in Home Horticulture and Organic Gardening from Oregon State University . He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening from Mumbai University . Read more
