How to grow Azaleas in Arkansas
Azaleas are one of our most loved southern landscape plants! When properly planted and cared for, they provide both an excellent evergreen presence and eye-catching blooms. A quick note; native azaleas are not evergreen but their stunning blooms more than make up for lack of winter leaves!
Choosing Azaleas for Arkansas Landscapes
Choosing an azalea Native and old fashioned azaleas such as formosas and gumpos require afternoon shade; plant in a location with morning sun or dappled afternoon sun should be fine for these varieties. Encore azaleas are very popular; they are called Encore because they bloom in the spring and then again in the fall. Encores can take more sun but will require more water than if planted in a more shady area. All azaleas will do better with afternoon shade here in Arkansas.
How to Plant Azalea Bushes in Arkansas
Planting Proper placement of azaleas is key; watch the area to see how much sun it receives before choosing your plants. Azaleas also require well drained, slightly acidic soil. The best formula formula for successful azalea planting here in central Arkansas includes:
- Doing a soil test to learn pH; soils tend to be acidic here but checking is recommended
- Amending the soil by adding organic matter (such as Organic Compost) to increase soil drainage
- Applying Good Earth brand Jump Start with mycorrhizea for best root establishment
- Planting with the root ball slightly above grade (about an inch)
- Add mulch
- Watering thoroughly at planting and regularly thereafter
- Keep mature plant size in mind; azaleas need good air flow to cut down on insect issues
Good drainage is one of the biggest keys to growing azaleas successfully. They like consistent moisture, but they do not like sitting in heavy, wet soil. Planting slightly high, improving the soil with organic matter, and using mulch can help protect the roots while still allowing water to move through the area.
How to Care for Azaleas After Planting
Care Although azaleas like well drained soil, they require regular watering. Plan to hand water your plants if the area isn’t watered by a sprinkler system. Regular watering with alkaline water can alter the soil pH; perform a soil test occasionally. Fertilize with Ferti-Lome Azalea/ Evergreen Food with Systemic Insecticide after the spring bloom season has ended. Another good product for azaleas is Espoma Holly-Tone, which is an all natural fertilizer for acid loving plants. This will both feed and protect your azaleas from their most common pest, the lacebug.
After spring bloom is also the time to prune. Azaleas have a wonderful natural form so it’s best to work with that when pruning. Look for the tallest branches that need trimming back and follow the branch down under the canopy height you are trying to keep. Prune just above a fork in the branch to encourage further branching. As a good rule of thumb, do not remove more than 30% of the plant at any one time. Since azaleas should be pruned mostly for shaping reasons, this shouldn’t be an issue.
When to Fertilize Azaleas
Fertilize with Ferti-Lome Azalea/Evergreen Food with Systemic Insecticide after the spring bloom season has ended. Another good product for azaleas is Espoma Holly-Tone, which is an all natural fertilizer for acid loving plants. This will both feed and protect your azaleas from their most common pest, the lacebug.
For most homeowners, the easiest rule to remember is this: let the spring blooms finish first, then fertilize. This gives the plant support after flowering without pushing growth at the wrong time.
When to Prune Azaleas
After spring bloom is also the time to prune. Azaleas have a wonderful natural form so it’s best to work with that when pruning. Look for the tallest branches that need trimming back and follow the branch down under the canopy height you are trying to keep. Prune just above a fork in the branch to encourage further branching.
As a good rule of thumb, do not remove more than 30% of the plant at any one time. Since azaleas should be pruned mostly for shaping reasons, this shouldn’t be an issue.
For Arkansas gardeners searching when to prune azaleas, the safest timing is usually soon after blooming. University of Arkansas Extension recommends allowing azaleas to finish flowering before pruning and pruning as soon after flowering as possible, no later than mid-June.
When to Cut Back Azaleas
Azaleas should usually be shaped, not heavily cut back. If a branch is too tall or sticking out from the rest of the plant, follow it down under the canopy and make a clean cut above a fork in the branch.
Heavy pruning is not usually needed unless the plant has become overgrown or damaged. Even then, it is better to be careful and avoid removing too much at once. Azaleas naturally have a soft, layered form, and the goal is to keep that shape while controlling size.
Visit The Good Earth for Azalea Help
Need help choosing the right azaleas for your yard? Visit The Good Earth Garden Center in Little Rock and bring a photo of your planting area. Our team can help you choose azaleas based on sunlight, soil, mature size, bloom color, and the look you want for your landscape.