Planting Native Azaleas: Tips for Success
Native Azaleas: Planting and Care Tips
Native azaleas are a great addition to a garden with afternoon shade. Dale Skaggs, the Director of Horticulture at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, along with Kyle McLean, the Manager of Grounds Horticulture show how to plant an native azalea and give tips on taking care of it so it will beautify your garden for years.
Choosing the Right Spot:
Native azaleas thrive in well-drained soil, so it's crucial to select a planting location with good drainage. Observing the slope of the terrain can help ensure water flows away from the plant.
Preparing the Planting Hole:
When it comes to digging the hole, remember that native azalea roots spread wide rather than deep. Aim for a hole about two times the width of the container, allowing ample room for the roots to expand. The hole should only be deep enough to set the plant into it and have the top at the same level or higher than the soil around the plant.
Soil Amendments:
In heavy clay soils, soil amendments are essential for promoting healthy growth. Dale recommends a mixture of red sand, composted pine bark, and worm castings. Red sand improves drainage, while pine bark improves drainage and adds organic material. Worm castings, rich in nutrients, enhance soil fertility and microbial activity. Dale also adds Mycorrhiza, a symbiotic fungus, plays a vital role in plant health by aiding nutrient absorption and stress tolerance. Incorporating mycorrhizal inoculants into the soil can significantly benefit plant establishment and resilience. Mixing the amendments around the sides of the planting hole before lowering in the plant makes it easy to push them in to the hole without too much work.
Planting Technique:
Before planting, examine the root ball for any signs of root binding. Many azaleas you get at a nursery are root bound and require loosening the roots by making vertical slices top to bottom in the root ball in several places. Position the plant in the hole, ensuring it sits level and straight. Backfill the hole with soil mixture, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets.
Watering and Maintenance:
Proper watering is crucial, especially during the plant's first season. A thorough soaking after planting helps settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Don’t just rely on sprinklers, saturate the soil with a hose. Throughout the first summer, monitor soil moisture levels and water as needed to support root establishment.
Pruning Considerations:
After planting, keep an eye on the plant's growth and structure. Pruning may be necessary to remove any crossing or damaged branches. Wait until the plant has fully leafed out before making pruning decisions, and consider seeking guidance on proper pruning techniques. <***link to Joellen’s shrub pruning video**>
Conclusion:
Native azaleas are a beautiful addition to any garden, offering vibrant spring blooms. By following these planting and care tips, you can ensure your native azaleas thrive for years to come, enriching your outdoor space with their natural beauty.
Related Videos:
When is the correct time to prune my encore azaleas?
Native Azaleas: Add Classic Spring Color to Your Southern Landscape
Related Resources:
Selecting and Growing Azaleas
Native azaleas add charm, early blooms to landscapes
Native azaleas are a great addition to a garden with afternoon shade. Dale Skaggs, the Director of Horticulture at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, along with Kyle McLean, the Manager of Grounds Horticulture show how to plant an native azalea and give tips on taking care of it so it will beautify your garden for years.
Choosing the Right Spot:
Native azaleas thrive in well-drained soil, so it's crucial to select a planting location with good drainage. Observing the slope of the terrain can help ensure water flows away from the plant.
Preparing the Planting Hole:
When it comes to digging the hole, remember that native azalea roots spread wide rather than deep. Aim for a hole about two times the width of the container, allowing ample room for the roots to expand. The hole should only be deep enough to set the plant into it and have the top at the same level or higher than the soil around the plant.
Soil Amendments:
In heavy clay soils, soil amendments are essential for promoting healthy growth. Dale recommends a mixture of red sand, composted pine bark, and worm castings. Red sand improves drainage, while pine bark improves drainage and adds organic material. Worm castings, rich in nutrients, enhance soil fertility and microbial activity. Dale also adds Mycorrhiza, a symbiotic fungus, plays a vital role in plant health by aiding nutrient absorption and stress tolerance. Incorporating mycorrhizal inoculants into the soil can significantly benefit plant establishment and resilience. Mixing the amendments around the sides of the planting hole before lowering in the plant makes it easy to push them in to the hole without too much work.
Planting Technique:
Before planting, examine the root ball for any signs of root binding. Many azaleas you get at a nursery are root bound and require loosening the roots by making vertical slices top to bottom in the root ball in several places. Position the plant in the hole, ensuring it sits level and straight. Backfill the hole with soil mixture, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets.
Watering and Maintenance:
Proper watering is crucial, especially during the plant's first season. A thorough soaking after planting helps settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Don’t just rely on sprinklers, saturate the soil with a hose. Throughout the first summer, monitor soil moisture levels and water as needed to support root establishment.
Pruning Considerations:
After planting, keep an eye on the plant's growth and structure. Pruning may be necessary to remove any crossing or damaged branches. Wait until the plant has fully leafed out before making pruning decisions, and consider seeking guidance on proper pruning techniques. <***link to Joellen’s shrub pruning video**>
Conclusion:
Native azaleas are a beautiful addition to any garden, offering vibrant spring blooms. By following these planting and care tips, you can ensure your native azaleas thrive for years to come, enriching your outdoor space with their natural beauty.
Related Videos:
When is the correct time to prune my encore azaleas?
Native Azaleas: Add Classic Spring Color to Your Southern Landscape
Related Resources:
Selecting and Growing Azaleas
Native azaleas add charm, early blooms to landscapes