Things Needed
Azaleas are a variety of rhododendrons . They have small leave and can grow unlike colored flowers , depending on what kind of azaleas they are . Azaleas can be either evergreen or deciduous shrubs , but evergreen plant azaleas are more popular , especially in Tennessee . Tennessee consists of USDA hardiness zones 7 and 8 , which are both conducive zones for growing most azalea .
Step 1
Select an azalea that is appropriate for your Tennessee mood . Gardeners in zone 7 ( northern and mountainous areas ) should select a hardy azalea such as Korean azalea and gable hybrids . gardener in geographical zone 8 can select any kind of azalea .
Step 2
Prepare your planting land site . Azaleas prefer well draining soil , so adding a couple in of humus such as peat moss , molder sawdust or compost to the dirt bed will help your azalea thrive . They can tolerate most pH levels ( 4.0 - 7.0 ) , but favour a pH between 5.0 and 5.5 . If desired , you’re able to try out your ground with pH psychometric test strip useable at most local nurseries and amend your territory with either quicklime ( to raise pH ) or sulfur ( to lower pH ) .
Step 3
establish your azaleas . poke a hole that is three times as wide and just as rich as the azalea ’s current container . Take the azalea out of the container and set in the hole . Back - fill the soil , which should be repair from pace 2 and tamp it down well to remove any emptiness in the soil .
Step 4
Space azaleas depending on their sort . For exercise , crimson azaleas should be spaced about 2 feet from one another while encore azaleas should be space 4 feet from one another . If desired , you’re able to institute azalea closer together so it await dainty for the first couple of old age , and then transpose every other one at a tardy time .
Step 5
Mulch your azalea . In Tennessee , where summers can get extremely hot , especially in zone 8 , and wintertime can be quite stale , particularly in zone 7 , mulch is great for insularism to keep soil temperature more coherent all year long . It also helps continue moisture and as it decomposes , it adds rich constituent subject into the soil . Mulch about 3 inches of organic affair such as barque , peat moss or pine needles .
Step 6
inseminate your newly planted azaleas apply about 1 tablespoon per plant of a fertilizer labeled 12 - 6 - 6 . Water your plants well after fertilizing .
