What you need to grow healthy azaleas
Q. Over the last 10 years I have killed three azalea plants. They are so colorful in the spring and I really would like to try again. I have heard there is now an azalea plant that has been hybridized for our area? Is this true?
A. Azaleas can be a bit temperamental. However, their beautiful display of flowers in the spring are a welcome sight and well worth your effort.
The key to keeping your azaleas alive is to be sure you start by choosing cold-hardy plants that do well in the Midwest. Some cold-hardy cultivars that do well in Illinois come from the Northern Lights Series. These azaleas have been cultivated to withstand our cold winters.
When shopping, look for a shrub that includes the word “lights” in its name. Some that you may see in your local nursery include Candy Lights, Rosy Lights and White Lights, although there are many more in the Northern Lights series.
In addition to picking the right azalea for our area, be sure to pick the right planting spot, as well.
Azaleas are a bit particular and prefer well-drained, acidic soils with a soil pH in the 4.4 to 6.0 range. Since many Midwest soils are usually a bit higher in the 6.5 to 7.5 pH range, you may need to lower your soil's pH to grow vibrant, long-lasting azaleas.
Some common ways to lower the pH include adding some peat moss to your soil. This is best done when you are digging the hole to plant your azalea. I recommend you refill the hole with half soil and half peat moss. After planting, you're encouraged to mulch your azaleas with wood chips, pine needles or shredded oak leaves. These forms of mulch are considered mildly acidic and will help to balance out the pH in your soil.
Additionally, azaleas prefer partial to full sun and a bit of protection from windy, exposed areas. East facing locations are generally ideal for azaleas. Be careful that your azaleas are not planted in wet, poorly drained area as they will not be happy.
I hope these tips help you decide to give azaleas another chance to flourish in your garden, where you can enjoy their beauty for years to come.
— Wendy Reiner
• Provided by Master Gardeners through the Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines, and University of Illinois Extension, North Cook Branch Office, Arlington Heights. Call (847) 298-3502 on Wednesdays or email northcookmg@gmail.com. Visit web.extension.illinois.edu/mg.