Maintenance Landscaping Design

Purple azalea bush is a evergreen shrub that is part of the heath family. It can grow to be about 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The flowers are purple and bloom in the spring.

Popular name

• Rhododendron
  
• Mountain laurel
  
• Kalmia
  
• Leucothoe
  
• Pieris

Common Knowledge

• The purple azalea bush is a flowering shrub that is native to Asia.
  
• It is a popular ornamental plant in many gardens and parks.
  
• The purple azalea bush grows to a height of 2-3 meters.
  
• The leaves of the purple azalea bush are dark green in color and have a glossy texture.
  
• The flowers of the purple azalea bush are large and showy, and they can be purple, pink, or white in color.
  
• The purple azalea bush blooms in the springtime.
  
• The purple azalea bush is resistant to deer and rabbits.
  
• The purple azalea bush is susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases.
  
• Regular pruning of the purple azalea bush is necessary to maintain its shape and size.
  
• The purple azalea bush is a popular choice for use in bonsai.

Related plant:
Leycesteria Formosa Purple Rain

Growing Steps

1. For purple azalea bush, first step is to find a location that has well-drained soil and receives partial sun to full shade.
   
2. Then, the next step is to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the azalea bush’s root ball.
   
3. After that, mix some compost or other organic matter into the back-fill soil that will be used to fill in around the root ball.
   
4. The fourth step is to place the azalea bush into the hole and fill in around it with the amended back-fill soil.
   
5. Fifth step is to water the newly planted azalea bush deeply and regularly (about once per week) during its first growing season.
   
6. Sixth step is to apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant, being careful not to mound it up against the stem.
   
7. Seventh step is to prune away any dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
   
8. Eighth step is to fertilize the azalea bush twice a year, in early spring and mid-summer, with a fertilizer that is specially formulated for acid-loving plants.
   
9. Ninth step is to watch for common pests and diseases such as aphids, scale, and powdery mildew and take steps to control them if necessary.
   
10. Lastly, the tenth step is to enjoy the beautiful blooms of your purple azalea bush!

Related plant:
Purple Bush Plant

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the purple azalea bush needs well-drained, acidic soil to remain healthy and achieve its potential for growth and flowering. The root system of the plant is shallow, so it is important to improve the soil before planting and to maintain moist conditions during the growing season.

Light requirement

Like the other azalea bushes, purple azalea bushes need plenty of sunlight to thrive. They should be planted in an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to provide your azalea bush with some extra protection from the cold weather.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for a purple azalea bush is cool and moist. The bush should be in a location where it will receive direct sunlight for at least six hours per day, and the soil should be kept moist but not soggy.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. The plant does not like to be too wet or too dry. If the leaves start to turn brown and fall off, it is a sign that the plant is not getting enough humidity.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a 10-10-10 fertilizer applied three times a year: once in early spring, once in late spring, and once in early summer. For the root, a good rule of thumb is to keep the roots moist but not soggy.

About light

Pruning your purple azalea bush is an important step in keeping your bush healthy and looking its best. Azaleas are best pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. To prune, first remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Next, thin out the bush by removing any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Finally, cut back any overly long branches. When pruning, be sure to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the desired plant. The cutting should be taken from new growth that is still soft and flexible. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a node (the area where the leaves are attached). Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the stem cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix, and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Keep the cutting moist and warm, and in a few weeks, you should see new growth.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the cultivar planted. The plant's height and spread at maturity are also important considerations when determining the appropriate growth rate. Some purple azalea bush cultivars can grow 6 to 12 inches per year, while others may only grow 1 to 2 inches per year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are over watering, under watering, pests, and diseases. overwatering can lead to the plant to not being able to absorb the water and the roots will start to rot. Under watering can make the leaves to dry out and fall off. Pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs can infest the plant and cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. Diseases such as powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot can also affect the plant.

Basics of Growing

• If you are growing azalea bushes from seed, start them indoors in late winter or early spring.
  
• Sow the seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed-starting mix. Do not cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate.
  
• Keep the seed-starting mix moist but not wet.
  
• When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.
  
• Harden off the seedlings before planting them outdoors.
  
• Choose a planting site that has well-drained, acidic soil and partial to full sun.
  
• Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
  
• Space the azalea bushes 18 to 24 inches apart.
  
• Water the bushes regularly during the first growing season.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the bushes to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Substitution

• Purple dazzle
  
• Purple dream
  

Source:
Azalea - uaex.uada.edu
Gumpo Azalea
Selecting and Growing Azaleas | UGA Cooperative Extension