Caring for your Spring Azaleas
Azalea Care Instructions
Rhododendron or Indicum Hybrids (row-doe-DEN-dron-IN-di-kum)
Azaleas do well on the Central Coast. They are particularly suited to the areas along the coast as they prefer the more moderate climate than the interior heat. Azalea is not really a genus and all Azaleas are technically Rhododendrons however the term Azaleas has been in use for so long it is now an acceptable, recognizable term for the smaller rhododendrons. There are over 10,000 cultivars of Azalea which are well suited to container growth and Bonsai. Azaleas prefer a shade or part sun location with good drainage. They like to be kept moist but never soggy.
Water: Moderately moist soil is preferred. Water thoroughly when just the soil is dry to the touch. Do not allow plants to dry out or stand in water. The azalea really is very sensitive to soil moisture content and will react to both drying out and overwatering. It is best to do the finger test and when the top three inches of soil have dried out then water thoroughly. Place a layer of mulch over the soil to conserve water.
Light: Indirect or bright-diffused light is best.
Temperature: Santa Maria's delightful climate is ideal for the lovely azalea. Cool 65F to 70F degrees during the daytime and 55F-60F degree at night.Feeding: Azaleas are light eaters. Use a high acid food designed for azaleas.
Blooming Life: Azaleas bloom from three to four weeks.
Purchasing Tips: Purchase azaleas when all buds show color and one fourth to one third of the buds are open.
Tips: Azaleas are available in many flower forms and colors including white, pink, salmon, red, purple and variegated.
Problems: Susceptible to spider mites, scale and whitefly. Leaves will drop if overwatered or allowed to dry out. To control whitefly and spider mite, the safest product to use insecticidal soap and if that does not control it then pyrethrin concentrate is a bit stronger and should do the job.
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