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Azalea
Care in the
Gulf Coast area
PRUNING - Encore and other azaleas should be pruned
immediately after spring flowering. In March, typically
as the flowers are fading, is the best time to prune, mulch,
and fertilize your other azaleas (except late bloomers).
Pruning to maintain shape and size, or for reshaping and
sizing is done at this time; hand or electric hedge shears
will usually do an adequate job. The slope of the plant's
foliage should be at its greatest on the north side or wherever
there is the most shade.
You should prune young plants to keep them bushy and full.
You may prune as much as 1/3 to 1/2 of the height. Try to
end all tip-pruning by the end of July to avoid decapitating
next spring's developing flower buds.
Verify that there is a two-inch layer of mulch around the
plant, but not covering the crown. Add mulch as necessary,
but never more than 2 inches thick.
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FERTILIZING
Fertilizing with Teas Azalea-Camellia-Gardenia-Magnolia
Food as recommended on the tub is the next step. Azaleas
are shallow rooted so make light applications of fertilizer
around the edge of the plant and water in well. Feed
them after the spring bloom and several weeks later.
Do not feed in the summer heat. Encore azaleas should
not be fed in the fall. Other azaleas will benefit from
a light application in September or October. |
Note: Do not feed new azaleas with “azalea food”
until they have been in the ground at least six months.
You can repeat the root stimulator process or use water-soluble
house plant food in the meantime.
AZALEA PLANTING
RECOMMENDATIONS
CHOOSE a site that receives some shade during the
day such as the north side or near a tree. Lay out a bed
if needed. Remove the turf, if any, and till or loosen the
soil to a depth of up to 8 inches. Add TEAS ROSE BED MIX,
Azalea food, and till in thoroughly.
PLANTING IN A NEW OR EXISTING BED:
The hole should be dug as deep as the container and twice
as wide. Always be sure to moisten a wilted azalea before
planting!
REMOVE the plant from the container. Gently spread
any roots that are circling the sides or base. If this is
hard to do, then the azalea is root bound. With a sharp
knife make several slits 1/2 in. deep down the sides, then
gently loosen any fibrous roots.
SET the azalea in the hole 2-4 inches above the
original soil level. Pour the soil around the roots and
water to thoroughly settle the soil and remove air pockets.
Add root stimulator according to label instructions, and
sprinkle it evenly. Repeat this application 2 more times
3-4 weeks apart.
APPLY a layer of TEAS MULCH 2 inches deep at the
outer leaf line and water again.
AFTER PLANTING, maintain an evenly moist soil, (NOT
DRY/NOT SOGGY).
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Est.
1843 
