The following information is provided to you to help you properly establish your new azaleas, and care for your existing ones.

Please refer to the information here before emailing us. We will try to help with all of the standard questions that you may have about your azaleas. We have provided this page purely as assistance. We accept no liability for your yard, health or azaleas. If you have specific concerns please ask your local extension office. If you have a specific question please feel free to contact us, but we are focused on producing plants and servicing your local garden centers so please be patient as there may be a delay in our response. Thank you for your interest in our products and we hope that this information will be of assistance.

 Hamlin Rose:

Potting/Planting:

To plant your azaleas please follow the steps below:

1. Find appropriate place in your yard. Remember that most azaleas like shade, but there are varieties that are sun tolerant. When selecting the location for your azaleas remember that azaleas are prefer acidic soils so stay at least three feet away from sidewalks, driveways or foundations (as they often contain lime or shell).
2. Dig a hole in your selected location that is the depth of the root ball and a little over the diameter of the pot.
3. Remove the pot from the plant and loosen the root ball. Loosening the root ball may be achieved squeezing the root and lightly tearing with your hand or by making several crossing cuts with a knife no more than 2" deep. *Note that if you are cutting the root ball take care as to not cut big roots or to deep as this may harm the plant.
4. If you are in a sandy location place some potting soil, without lime or dolomite, into the hole.
5. Put your plant into the hole and lightly fill the soil into the space around the roots of the plant. Do not press the soil. You do not want to compact the soil around the plant.
6. Carefully water in your azalea using a hose or watering can especially around the roots to help fill in any air pockets.
7. Repeat steps for any remaining plants.

Duc De Rohan:

Feeding, Fertilizer and pH:

Azaleas prefer an acidic soil roughly pH of 5 so you will need a fertilizer that has acidic nitrogen source or is specifically labeled for azaleas. Remember that you want to achieve your growth mainly in summer after the spring flush of flowers is gone. Do not apply heavy amounts of fertilizer during budding or blooming stages fall through spring. During the budding and blooming stages it is better to use a light but semi-frequent (roughly twice a month) application of liquid fertilizer or a low nitrogen slow release. During the growth period in the summer it is better to use a granular or slow release fertilizer for sustained growth. There are several fertilizers that are blended specifically for azaleas these will help you control the pH in your soil and provide the correct balance of minor elements. Please check with your local garden center for specific brands.

White Dogwood:

Clipping:

Clip time for your azaleas is one of the most crucial points for blooms next season. Typically you want to clip your azaleas as soon as the spring flush of flowers is gone. Typically this is mid to late April in Florida. You can delay the clipping until as late as the first week of August, but if you clip your plants after that you will risk delaying or stopping blooming in spring. Sometimes your azaleas will have quite a bit of hardwood with no leaves. This is typically found in heavily shaded yards. You can cut you azaleas back into hardwood, which will promote new growth further back into the plant. There is a risk of killing the plant if you clip them back too far please consult your local extension office before proceeding. Another option is to thin some of the shade above the azaleas and clip the last years growth off. Through proper maintenance your azaleas will have a beautiful flush of flowers every year.

Purple Formosa:

Water:

During the establishment period, just after you have planted your new azaleas, you will need to water every day or every other day for the first two weeks. After the first two weeks you may reduce the frequency of your water to once every three days or as needed, but you will need to water multiple times a week for the first month. Be careful not to over water as this will cause disease and slow rooting. In established plants you may not need to water, as your normal lawn irrigation may suffice. Azaleas are considered moderate water users and may need an occasional watering in the hotter months. For additional information please refer to you local water management district office, and please remember to follow all watering restrictions. Water is an indispensable resource for all living things and we must take care to preserve the resource.