How to Grow Evergreen Azaleas - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Evergreen azaleas is a plant that is native to the mountainous regions of East Asia. The plant has glossy green leaves and produces delicate white or pink flowers. The evergreen azaleas is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in landscaping.

How to Grow Evergreen Azaleas - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • swamp azalea
  • Carolina azalea
  • Florida azalea
  • Georgia azalea
  • Indian azalea

Common Knowledge

  • Evergreen azaleas are shrubs that are native to Asia and North America.
  • Evergreen azaleas are popular garden plants.
  • Evergreen azaleas can be deciduous or evergreen, depending on the species.
  • Evergreen azaleas have large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors.
  • Evergreen azaleas are relatively easy to care for and can be propagated from cuttings.
  • Evergreen azaleas prefer acidic, well-drained soils.
  • Evergreen azaleas should be fertilized regularly.
  • Evergreen azaleas are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases.
  • Evergreen azaleas can be pruned to shape as desired.
  • Evergreen azaleas can be planted in full sun or partial shade.

Related plant:
Best Evergreen Shrubs

Planting Process

  1. For evergreen azaleas, first step is to find a shady location. In more shady locations, these azaleas will bloom more profusely.
  2. The second step is to clear the area of all debris and weeds.
  3. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the azalea's root ball.
  4. Place the azalea in the hole and backfill with soil.
  5. Water the plant deeply and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  6. Evergreen azaleas should be fertilized twice a year - once in the spring and again in the summer.
  7. These azaleas will need to be watered regularly, especially during periods of drought.
  8. To encourage more blooming, prune evergreen azaleas after they finish flowering.
  9. These plants are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Watch for signs of problems and treat accordingly.
  10. With proper care, evergreen azaleas will provide years of beauty in the landscape.

Related plant:
Tall Evergreen Shrubs

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Evergreen azaleas need well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH by adding sulfur or aluminum sulfate. You can improve heavy clay soils by adding organic matter such as compost, pine needles, or bark.

Light condition

Similar to other types of azaleas, evergreen azaleas need full sun to partial shade to thrive. The amount of sun each plant needs depends on the variety; some can handle more sun than others. too much sun can scorch the leaves, so it's important to know how much your plant can take. When in doubt, err on the side of too little sun rather than too much.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for evergreen azaleas is cool to cold weather. They can tolerate some heat, but they prefer cooler temperatures. Azaleas can handle different types of light, but they prefer filtered sunlight or partial shade.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. However, they can tolerate lower humidity as long as they are not in direct sunlight. If the humidity drops below 30%, the leaves will start to turn brown and fall off.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with an acidic fertilizer. Because of their shallow root systems, evergreen azaleas need to be fertilized more frequently than other types of plants. It is best to fertilize them every two to four weeks during the growing season.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for evergreen azaleas. dead branches should be removed and the plant should be shaped to maintain its natural form. Azaleas can be pruned in late winter or early spring.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is typically done through rooting stem cuttings, which is a straightforward process. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft and flexible. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long, and the bottom 2 inches should be placed in a rooting hormone. The hormone helps to encourage root growth. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and placed in a bright, indirect light. Water the cutting when the soil begins to dry out. Roots should form within 4-8 weeks.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate. Some varieties however can grow quite rapidly. The fastest growers include the hybrid ‘Hinodegiri’, which can add 3 feet or more a year, and the species R. oldhamii, which can add up to 2 feet a year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are usually associated with the roots. The roots may be too dry or too wet, which can lead to the plant dying. If the roots are too wet, the plant may develop root rot, which can kill the plant. If the roots are too dry, the plant may not be able to absorb enough water and nutrients, which can also lead to the plant dying.

List to Know

  • If you are growing evergreen azaleas in the landscape, choose a location that receives partial to full sun.
  • Good drainage is essential for azaleas. They will not tolerate soggy or wet soils.
  • Prepare the planting bed by mixing in organic matter such as compost or peat moss. This will help improve drainage and fertility.
  • Dig a hole that is twice the width of the azalea's root ball but no deeper.
  • Gently remove the azalea from its container and loosen any tightly wound roots.
  • Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Gently compact the soil around the base of the plant.
  • Water the azalea deeply immediately after planting.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Azaleas generally do not require fertilizer. If

You May Like

  • Evergreen azalea 'Dawn'
  • Evergreen azalea 'Restless Sea'
  • Evergreen azalea 'Autumn Sunset'
  • Evergreen azalea 'Autumn Cascade'
  • Evergreen azalea 'Coral Bells'
  • Evergreen azalea 'Japanese Sunset'
  • Evergreen azalea 'Orange Flame'
  • Evergreen azalea 'Peach Cascade'
  • Evergreen azalea 'Sandra Ann'
  • Evergreen azalea 'Scintillant'

Source:
Evergreen azalea | Yale Nature Walk
Evergreen Azalea (Rhododendron species - Virginia Tech
Evergreen Azalea (Rhododendron species) - Virginia Tech

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category