GREEN COVE SPRINGS – One of the most popular landscape shrubs in our region, and in much of the country, is the azalea.Ranging from Florida natives that lose their leaves in the winter, to the …
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GREEN COVE SPRINGS – One of the most popular landscape shrubs in our region, and in much of the country, is the azalea.
Ranging from Florida natives that lose their leaves in the winter, to the evergreen exotic varieties that seem to be present in every suburban landscape, they are everywhere for good reason as they are usually low maintenance but some special care should be considered to make them strong performers.
Azalea Varieties
Azaleas are a varied group of plants, with the most popular being the evergreen, non-native varieties. One item to note is that there are many cultivars available, with some performing better in our area and size should definitely be considered when making a selection. If a small shrub is needed, stay away from the mid- to large-size varieties as they will need heavy pruning which is never good for the plant. There are also considerations such as bloom timing, color and foliage color but the Azaleas at a Glance fact sheet found at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg019 is an excellent resource.
Underutilized in the landscape are the native azaleas. These are usually deciduous and are larger woodlands shrubs but when they enter full bloom in the spring they are magnificent. The two major varieties you will find are Florida Flame and Pinxter.
Azalea Culture
When growing Azaleas, plant them in part or dappled shade for best blooming, with a preference to protect them from the afternoon sun. Deep shade will also reduce flowering and growth.
Soil conditions should also be considered as their shallow root system makes them susceptible to drought and they prefer a sandy, well-drained soil. They do best in acidic soils (pH 4.5-6.0), so a soil pH test is recommended before planting. If pH is high, the addition of organic matter over a large area where they are to be planted can help. If in a high pH area, Iron becomes unavailable and leaves will become yellow with green veins and this is very common in our area.
Azalea Care
Azaleas in the right environment are fairly low maintenance but do require some care. First of all, irrigation is needed during plant establishment, usually two to three times a week, and then some water will be required during extended dry periods. If drought stressed, the lower leaves will wilt yellow and drop. Watering should focus on the root zone of the plants and should not be applied overhead to leaves and blooms.
Fertilization is also a standard requirement of azaleas as nutrient deficiencies appear. An acidifying fertilizer can be helpful in maintaining pH and providing nitrogen while foliar or soil applications of iron and other micronutrients can fix other deficiencies.
Light prunings can help create a denser plant and should occur following flowering. Do not prune after July 4th, as fall and next year’s flowers are forming. Hedging of the plants will likely cause blooming to be severely depressed and will reduce the plants overall health.
We will focus in the common diseases and insects of azaleas next week.
If you have any horticultural, agricultural, 4-H, or family and consumer science questions, contact the University of Florida/IFAS Clay County Extension Office online at http://www.clay.ifas.ufl.edu or call by phone at (904)284-6355.