As a large, shapely shrub, the azalea brings a lot of color to the garden. There can also be two or even more bushes. But the splendor of flowers cannot be taken for granted. The plant needs very specific living conditions so that it can thrive in the long term.
How does the azalea become a beautiful shrub in the garden?
Choose ahardy garden azalea, for example a Japanese azalea. Flower color and height depend on the variety. Azaleas preferhalf-shadyto sunny locations with well-drained, humus-rich andacidic soil Fertilize the shrub from spring to autumn and water it as needed.
Which azalea bushes are there?
They are the so-calledgarden azaleasthat grow into real shrubs. The most popular are theJapanese azaleas(Rhododendron japonicum/obtusum) from Japan. They are hardy and wintergreen. Their flower color varies depending on the variety. TheYellow Azalea (Rhododendron luteum) is also hardy but deciduous. The azalea bush grows compactly and grows more in width than in height. There are commercially available varieties with heights between 40 cm and more than 150 cm. The flowering period of garden azaleas is between March and May.
Which location does the azalea shrub prefer?
As original forest plants, most azaleas also like to be in the gardenpartly shadedThis includes the Japanese azalea. The yellow azalea can tolerate more sun, including some new varieties. The wetter the location is, the sunnier it can be. And the sunnier it is, the more luxuriantly the shrub blooms. The ideal soil for the garden azalea must be as follows:
- permeable (with drainage if necessary)
- humos
- acidic (pH 4-5)
How to properly care for the azalea bush?
After planting in spring, the young garden azalea still needs to be watered regularly; later the shrub can almost always supply itself with water. Further care measures:
- fertilize with organic fertilizer from spring to autumn
- Mulching the root disk in autumn
- water on warm, frost-free days in winter
- water even on very warm summer days
- Soil must always be moist, avoid waterlogging
- Clean out wilted flowers regularly
- Topiaries and rejuvenation cuts in March
If the azalea bush is in a pot, its winter hardiness decreases. He can only overwinter outside with winter protection.
Is the azalea shrub susceptible to diseases and pests?
Garden azaleas can get various diseases. For example, earlobe disease and powdery mildew, which primarily affects Cape Hill azaleas. The most common pests include spider mites and the black weevil. In a moist location, the azalea can be colonized by lichens.
Tip
Do not plant azalea bush close to shallow roots
The roots of the azalea are only a few centimeters below the surface of the earth, where they spread almost horizontally in all directions. Therefore, do not plant them under a shallow-rooted tree or close to other shallow-rooted shrubs. This ensures that the shrub does not have to compete for water and nutrients.
