azaleas

[Stefan]

hi everyone,
i just wanted to know, does anyone grow azaleas, and if there are any tricks of the trade. I went with my parents to an azalea nursery, and we bought some, lol, to go with the others we have got, and they have them in perfect health, with a mass of flowers, and i was wondering what they do to get them like that. any help will be greatly appreciated.

stefan

[camille1585]

I don't know how you grow yours, but he's what I do. The only big thing they need is a potting mix for acid loving plants. Even if you plan to plant it in the garden, it's better to dig out a big hole (2-3 times biggerr than the rootball), but a good layer of drinage at the bottom,line it with a non waterproof material and fill the hole with the potting mix. This is not necessary if your soil already has a naturally low pH, around 5 to 5,5. I also mulch the plants to keep the humidity.
Also make sure to use a fertilizer adapted to acid loving plants. I use one that is specifically for rhododendrons, azaleas and hortensias.
With these two things I find that my azaleas flower beautifully!

[Stefan]

hi camille,
thanks for your reply. I'll tell my parents to go get some fertilizer, so that we can get some stunning displays this year.

stefan