What do you think about when you think back to last weekend’s Masters in Augusta? Probably Jordan Spieth’s sad performance in the final round. But, right after that your thoughts might wander back to the immaculately trimmed and beautifully designed golf course with its signature azaleas. Such a spectacular show!
It’s that time of year that a stroll through the neighborhoods in Dilworth and the surrounding areas warms your heart and puts a swing in your step thanks to the luscious spring green and all the beautiful blooming azaleas. It should come to no surprise that the Carolinas provide ideal growing conditions for azaleas, making them perfect additions to your yards.
At Blackhawk Hardware’s Garden Center we just received the very first shipment of azaleas for the year and azalea planting season has begun! As always, our plants are of the highest quality with beautiful, big blossoms. Today’s shipment includes the stunning Formosa, Mrs. G. G. Gerbing and George L. Tabor varieties. As the season continues look forward to seeing many more azaleas at our Garden Center.
How Do You Plant Azaleas?
Azaleas thrive in acidic, well-draining soil that is rich in humus. If your chosen spot has our lovely red Carolina clay soil, fear not, but dig a large hole and mix in plenty of well-draining soil mixture. Most azaleas do best in partial shade although some varieties can tolerate full to partial sun. With your garden shovel dig a hole that is slightly wider than the azalea you are planting and that will cover its entire root ball. Take your azalea out of its pot and gently break up the root ball. Set the plant into the hole and fill it with soil up, around, and under the roots. Mulch around the plant and water your new baby. You will want to ensure the azaleas you planted are watered by you or ample of rain at least once a week. In sunny spots you’ll need to up the watering frequency.
How Do You Care for Azaleas?
Early in spring you will want to carefully prune back dead branches. To encourage growth in spindly young plants and reshape plants, prune stems just above small green buds shortly after blooming. As for fertilizer, spread small amounts of azalea and rhododendron food around the plant and water afterwards. Do this in spring and fall as needed.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to talk to one of the friendly associates at Blackhawk Hardware to answer all your gardening questions!
Sources:
The All-New Illustrated Guide to Gardening by Reader’s Digest
Wiki-How: http://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Azaleas
