Autumn sangria azalea is a beautiful shrub that produces stunning blooms in shades of deep pink and purple. This azalea is perfect for adding color and interest to your garden, and its easy-care nature makes it a great choice for busy gardeners.
Related plant:
Ceanothus Autumnal Blue
Related plant:
Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
About soil condition, Autumn Sangria Azalea focus on well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. If the soil is too alkaline, they may experienceIron Chlorosis which results in yellowing of the leaves.
So, like the other azaleas, the autumn sangria azalea requires sun to grow properly. Without at least four hours of sunlight each day, the plant will become leggy and produce fewer flowers. The ideal spot for this azalea is in a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
The temperature condition is perfect for the autumn sangria azalea. This plant prefers cool weather and will not tolerate excessive heat. In warm weather, the leaves will begin to droop and the flowers will fade. If the plant is exposed to too much sun, the leaves will turn brown and fall off. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. The optimum temperature for growth is between 18 to 23 degrees Celsius. Place the plant in an airy spot and avoid direct sunlight. Autumn Sangria azalea is a moderate feeder. Fertilize the plant once a month using a balanced fertilizer.
About fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need too much. Once a month is generally sufficient. However, because autumn sangria azaleas are such heavy bloomers, you may want to increase the fertilizer to twice a month during the blooming season. As for the roots, fall is the best time to plant or transplant azaleas.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your autumn sangria azalea healthy and looking its best. You'll need to prune it back in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or damaged branches, and then thin out the plant to allow air and light to reach the inner branches.
Propagation is best done in early spring, by taking semi-ripe cuttings from the previous year's growth. Cuttings should be taken from the upper third of the plant and should be around 10-15cm in length. Cut just below a node (the point where a leaf meets the stem) and ensure that there are 2-3 leaves on each cutting. Trim off the bottom leaves, leaving just the top leaves. Dip the cuttings into a rooting hormone and plant into pots of gritty, well-drained compost. Place the pots in a propagator or cover with a clear plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Keep the compost moist but not wet and in 6-8 weeks the cuttings should have rooted. Once they have rooted, pot them on into individual pots and keep them well watered.
Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to medium. They will flower best if given at least four hours of sun per day, but can tolerate some shade. Moist, well-drained soil is best, and winter mulching is recommended in colder climates.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. For powdery mildew, the leaves will have a white powdery substance on them. For leaf spot, the leaves will have brown or black spots on them. And for root rot, the roots of the plant will be rotted.
Source:
Selecting and Growing Azaleas | UGA Cooperative Extension
Key Plant, Key Pests: Azalea ( Rhododendron spp.) - University of Florida
Evergreen Azaleas for Alabama - Alabama Cooperative Extension System
