Garden azaleas(Rhododendron) is a group of rhododendrons with mostly seasonal leaves (shed for winter). They are characterized by higher frost resistance than evergreen rhododendrons, therefore garden azaleas can be grown all over Poland. See whatgrowing azaleas in the garden looks like , what are the requirements of this plant and what care treatments contribute to the good condition of garden azaleas.
Garden azalea during flowering
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Garden azalea - cultivation
Garden azaleas are plants belonging to the heather family (Ericaceae) and, just like other representatives of this family, they require acidic soils (pH 4.0-5.5) for proper development. The soil for azalea cultivation should be medium to light, well-drained and rich in humus. The soil should be slightly moist and well aired all the time.
Before planting shrubs,the place where azaleas are grownmust be properly prepared. A hole should be dug 3 times the height of the root ball. The bottom of the hole (halfway up) is filled with coarse gravel. The rest of the space is filled with a specialsubstrate for rhododendrons and azaleas
The planting depth of the azaleas in the gardenshould be the same as the plant was growing in the pot. The root ball is covered with soil dug from the hole, which is previously mixed with acid peat or acidified compost (in a 1: 1 ratio). Planted plants should be watered abundantly with soft water and a 50 cm layer of composted pine bark mulch should be spread over them.
Garden azaleas have high water requirements. Therefore, in spring and summer (especially in drought) they require regular and abundant watering.Watering garden azaleasuses soft water from a well, pond or rainwater. Drying of the substrate, especially in light soils, causes wilting and premature fall of the leaves and weaker flowering in the next season.
Garden azaleas can grow in full sun.In such conditions, they bloom more than in the shade, but then they require a lot of watering.Azaleas like places sheltered from the wind and with high air humidityThey grow very well on the shores of water reservoirs and under the canopy of tall conifers.
Garden azalea
Fig. pixabay.com
Garden azaleas are fertilized with small doses of fertilizersIt is best to use slow-acting fertilizers in small doses (young shrubs 50-70 g / m², older - 70-90 g / m², varieties dwarf and Japanese azaleas - 25-40 g / m²).Organic aisles such as compost and well-distributed manure are also suitable.
Large-flowered azaleas are shrubs that shed their leaves for the winter.Thanks to this, they are very resistant to low temperatures and do not require covering before frost. This makes them perfect for growing in parts of the country with cooler climates.Japanese azaleas may require coverings for the winter. Additionally,Japanese evergreen azaleas are exposed to physiological drought in winter . In order to protect the shrubs, it is necessary to shade them, and there are covers made of spruce head or straw mats. We should also remember to water the plants in winter, during the thaw periods.
Garden azalea - pruning
Garden azaleas do not require regular pruningHowever, to improve flowering, thicken the shrubs or give them a nice shape, plants can be trimmed in early spring (late March / early April).About 20% of last year's shoots are then removed, and the rest is shortened by 1/5 of their length.
Once the azaleas have finished flowering, break off their faded inflorescences with your fingerseven before they can set seeds. Drying inflorescences should be removed as soon as possible, up to 3-4 weeks after flowering, because at a later date there is a risk of damaging the emerging young shoots. This treatment promotes better propagation and the formation of more flower buds.
For older azaleas with bare shoots, usestrong rejuvenating pruningthen shorten all shoots 30-40 cm above the ground. The trimmed bushes should be watered abundantly and supplemented with a dose of fertilizer. In 4-6 weeks, numerous young shoots will develop from the sleeping buds.
Garden azalea
Fig. pixabay.com
Garden azalea - reproduction
Garden azaleas can be easily propagatedwith herbaceous cuttings, which are harvested in June (large-flowered azaleas) and July (Japanese azaleas).The cuttings are taken from young, one-year-old shoots. The best ones are sticky to the touch and have leaves that are not yet completely colored. Shoots are broken off with the heel of old wood from the main or side shoots. The cuttings should have an apical bud, but not a floral one, and a length of 6 to 10 cm.
Azalea seedlings take rootin litter boxes, boxes or multi-pots in moist, composted high peat mixed with 3: 1 sand. Before placing the cuttings in the substrate, they are immersed in a rooting agent. Containers with seedlings are covered with foil and placed in a place with a lot of diffused light. The optimal temperature for rooting cuttings is 18-24 ° C. Rooting cuttings takes 6-8 weeks. During this time, the substrate should be kept moderately moist. Young plants can be planted in the garden in the next spring, after hardening them first.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
