Red Ruffles Azaleas Care

Once plants are established, though, you should only have to water during dry periods (2 to 3 weeks without rain).

According to most professional landscapers, the ideal time for pruning rhododendrons is late winter, while the plant is dormant. However, any time between the first frost in fall and the last frost in spring (while the sap is low) will work.

You'll want to use a particular fertilizer composition for the different stages of your rhododendron growth. At planting time, use 10-10-6 fertilizer before you water the plant in. In early spring, the rhododendron buds swell. At this time, apply a complete 10-8-6 fertilizer.

Azaleas do well in full sun or part shade (about four hours of sun).

Azaleas do well in moist, acid (pH 5.5 or so), well-drained soil with lots of organic matter, such as peat, compost, chopped leaves, or ground bark. They won't grow in heavy clay, pure sand, or alkaline soil.

When in bloom, keep them at around 55-60 degrees; blooms don't last as long in warmer temperatures. Azaleas will tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from near freezing to 90º plus.

Most gardeners need to grow them in containers full of ericaceous compost.

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