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Azaleas have long been a favorite springtime flower

When we think of spring in Alabama, our minds instantly draw a picturesque scene of bees buzzing, cherry blossoms, sunny days, flowering dogwoods and the grand kaleidoscope of azaleas. Azaleas have been around for more than 150 years, but they are still the most popular flowering shrub in Alabama, as well as the most anticipated flower show of spring. Is there anyone who doesn’t love the beauty of azaleas? If you don’t have them growing in your yard, you are missing out on enjoying these legendary flowering shrubs for the landscape. With so many varieties, both classics and new varieties available in various sizes and shades of colors, there is at least one azalea out there you will fall in love with.

Azaleas have been prized possessions in most Southern gardens since the early 1900s. Evergreen azaleas are originally native to China and Japan. They were first introduced and developed in Europe and later sold in the northeast United States in the1830s as tender green houseplants. By 1848, Rhododendron indicum varieties made their way south and were planted at Magnolia Plantation near Charleston, South Carolina, where they flourished outdoors. Fruitland Nursery (aka Berckman’s) in Augusta, Georgia, was instrumental in propagating and spreading the use of the Southern Indian hybrids in the Southeast. As more varieties of evergreen azaleas reached Europe and

GARDEN TALK America, more hybrid groups were developed. Most varieties seen and sold today are hybrids and are the results of many years of breeding and selection. The most common azaleas grown in Alabama are Southern Indica, Kurume, Glen Dale, Satsuki and the Encore series. Mature size, growth habit, flower color and cold hardiness can be dramatically different between cultivars. The Southern Indica azaleas may be the most well known group because of their association with coastal cities like Charleston, Savannah, Mobile and New Orleans. These azaleas are large plants and often reach a mature height of 6 to 10 feet. The flowers are

Shane Harris large and showy at 3 inches wide. These azaleas are not as cold-hardy (hardy to Zone 8) as others so are more popular in the southern half of the state. Common cultivars are George L. Tabor (light pink), Mrs. G.G. Gerbing (white), Formosa (magenta), and Pride of Mobile (dark pink). Kurume azaleas are the most popular group and are the first ones to bloom in the spring. These are some of the oldest azaleas with many brought to America in 1915 and Historic Beauty 1917. They have very compact Previous pages: growth and lots of small flowers that are 1/2 to 3/4 inch but may reach 5 to 6 feet in height. They are more cold-hardy (to Zone Azaleas made their way to the American South in the mid-1800s; Below: Plant several bushes of the same 7) and can be found growing variety together for a throughout Alabama. Popular brilliant display.

cultivars include Coral Bells (salmon pink), Hinodegiri (vivid red), Hershey Red (bright red) and Snow (white). Glen Dale hybrids grow to be about 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. More than 445 cultivars were introduced between 1940 and 1952. These azaleas are very cold-hardy; however, they are somewhat hard to find at garden centers and nurseries in Alabama. Three cultivars commonly found for sale are Fashion (salmon), Glacier (white) and Ben Morrison (orange red).

Satsuki hybrid azaleas are quite different since they are more compact, low-growing plants. They produce an abundance of small leaves but make up for that with very large, flat flowers that often are 4 to 5 inches wide. Uniquely, Satsuki azaleas bloom later than our typical azaleas, usually from mid-May through mid-June. Common Cultivars are Gumpo White (white), Gumpo Pink (pink), Amagasa (red), Wakaebisu (pink) and Flame Creeper (salmon).

The Encore series azaleas were released in 1998 and

Eye-catching Splendor are gaining in popularity and availability. They are best Clockwise from top left: known for blooming two to three times a year – in the Rivermist shows off its spring, mid to late summer and fall. There are currently gorgeous blooms with subtle lavendar shading; Plant azaleas in a partially shaded area for best results; Coral Bells continue 31 cultivars on the market ranging widely in color, shape and size. None are taller than 5 feet; however, all are supposed to re-bloom. All cultivar names begin with the word ‘Autumn’ and are sold in distinctive maroon to be a popular variety. pots. Azaleas can be planted any time of year if proper attention is given to providing adequate water. Most people buy azaleas in the spring when the plants are blooming, so they can choose the right color combinations; however, fall is probably a better time to plant, allowing the roots to become established during cooler weather. If planted in the spring or summer months, watering two to thee times weekly is necessary for survival. When buying azaleas, remember that you will get the most effective display of flowers by planting a mass of a single variety instead of using many varieties and colors together. Buy plants that are sturdy with good branch systems. Don’t buy plants with weak, spindling growth. This usually means the plant has a poor root system or that plants were grown too closely spaced in the nursery. The best size to buy is 12 to 16 inches tall. Smaller plants are more likely to be injured by cold.

Photo by Audra Spears

Azaleas are usually sold as container-grown plants. They are sometimes pot-bound. This means they have a mass of roots growing around the outside of the ball of soil. Take the plant out of the container before you buy it. Make sure the roots are healthy and completely fill the pot. If you notice plants are pot-bound when you take them out of the container, massage the root ball to loosen some of the roots before planting. Also, pull some of the roots at the bottom of the root ball. This action will help roots to spread out and grow away from the original ball of container potting medium.

Carefully consider planting sites for azaleas. Pick a place with light to moderate shade. Azaleas receiving some shade during the winter usually suffer less cold damage. And during hot weather, the flowers last longer on plants in filtered shade. Late-blooming varieties need to be in partial shade to prevent sunscald to the flowers.

Pine trees with moderate filtered shade give ideal protection for azaleas; however, heavy shade throughout the day may reduce the flower production and result in weak growth. Evergreen trees or tall shrubs with low branches make good windbreaks and attractive backgrounds for azalea planting. Shallow-rooted trees, such as oaks, elms and maples, may compete with azaleas for moisture and nutrients.

Soil conditions also should be considered in selecting

a planting site. Ladies of the Southern Garden Azaleas require Clockwise from above left: The an acid soil bright Sunglow blossom offers a pH (5.5) to grow properly. Check the soil pH of your site contrast to its surroundings; Peach Blow graces the garden with its soft, demure color; Laura Morland stands out with its stark white flowers; Established azaleas will provide before buying immeasurable enjoyment as they azaleas. If the grow and bloom year after year. pH is above 6.5 you can expect to spend additional money and effort to maintain a pH in the proper range for plant growth. You may want to consider using other kinds of landscape plants for this site.

If necessary, create raised beds for azalea plantings by adding pine bark or peat moss to improve drainage and lower pH. These beds should be 10 to 12 inches deep. This depth provides an artificial environment similar to that in a large container. Additional watering is required. Building raised beds over tree roots can be stressful and potentially damaging to the trees.

When planting azaleas, remember again that you will get the most effective display of flowers by planting a mass of a single variety instead of using many varieties and color together. Plant azaleas a few inches higher

than you would with normal plants, so the top of the root ball is slightly above ground level. Remember this little rhyme: “Plant them high, and they will never die.” Add pine bark or peat moss to the planting hole to improve drainage and lower pH.

After planting, be sure to mulch azaleas heavily with pine bark or pine straw. Azaleas benefit from a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch.

They must be watered during dry periods and after initial planting. The months from August through October are critical times to supply additional water. A good mulch also helps to reduce the amount of water you will need to use as well as the number of times you have to water. If a mulch is used, a heavy watering once a week should be enough during dry periods. Two to three times a week for the first six to eight weeks after planting would be beneficial.

An established azalea collection will provide enjoyment for many years to come. Enjoy the show. You’ll love it!

For help on other home and garden questions, contact your local county Extension office or visit us online at www.aces.edu.

~ Shane Harris is the county Extension coordinator for Tallapoosa County.

Photo by Audra Spears