Flowerless azalea bushesis a really sad sight. This may be due to the stress the azalea has undergone in the previous season, winter damage, or improper care. Find out about the 7 most important reasons,why garden azalea does not bloomand learn how to remedy it to fully enjoy the beauty of blooming azaleas in your garden.
This azalea is blooming beautifully. But this is not always the case. Photo pixabay.com
1. Azalea does not bloom because it has bad soil
The reasonhas poor or no flowering of garden azaleasmay be due to poor soil conditions.Garden azaleas require a soil that is light, permeable, acidic (pH 4.5-5.0) and rich in organic matter. In our gardens, we usually do not have such soil. Thereforebefore planting azalea, the place of its cultivation should be properly preparedFor this purpose, a hole is dug for each bush, at the bottom of which a layer of coarse-grained gravel or expanded clay is made of drainage. Then the well is filled with a special substrate for rhododendrons or acid peat mixed with garden soil. It is also worth using fertilizer that acidifies the soil under the azaleas every year.
2. Azalea does not bloom because it is watered poorly
Drying of azaleas in summer interferes with the formation of flower budsand may lead to weak or complete inhibition of flowering. During periods of drought, the azalea shrubs should be watered moderately, preferably in the morning or evening, with soft pond water or rainwater.
On the other hand, excess moisture in the substrate also adversely affects the development of azaleas, leading to vascular disease.One of their symptoms isbrowning and premature fall of azalea flowersIn maintaining the balance in water conditions, mulching the bushes with a few centimeters of pine bark layer will help.
3. Azalea does not bloom, her sun is missing
Azaleas are usually recommended for planting shady places in the garden. However, this does not mean that they should grow in deep shade.Insufficient amount of sunlight inhibits the development of flower buds in azaleasAzaleas need about 6 hours of sun a day for proper development and flowering. They feel best in the openwork shade cast by trees with a loose crown.Many varieties of azaleas thrive and bloom most profusely in full sun.If the azalea grows in a very shaded place, it must be repotted. If this is not possible, try thinning the crowns of trees and shrubs adjacent to the azalea so that as much light as possible reaches it.
4. Azalea does not bloom because it is poorly fertilized
Lack of azalea flowers may be the result of improper fertilization.Garden azaleas, like all ornamental shrubs, require an adequate amount of nutrients for proper development. A poorly fed azalea will not have enough strength to produce or maintain flowers.
Fertilizing azaleas should not, however, overdo it, as these shrubs are very sensitive to the salinity of the substrateCompletely enough them a one-time feed with slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. Instead of mineral fertilizers, it is preferable to use organic fertilizers such as compost or well-decomposed manure.
Good to know!
A common mistake is to use fertilizers with a high nitrogen content to fertilize azaleas. High doses of nitrogen stimulate the growth of azalea leaves but significantly reduce the production of flower buds. Late fertilization causes similar effects. Therefore, nitrogen fertilization of azaleas should be stopped at the end of June.
5. Azalea does not bloom because it was trimmed too late
The reason forproblems with flowering azaleasmay be inadequate pruning dates. Azaleas are shrubs that produce flower buds for the next season in a few weeks after the current year's flowers have faded. By pruning azalea bushes during this period, you can accidentally remove any buds that would turn into flowers next spring.If the azalea requires pruning, the appropriate date for this treatment is the turn of March and AprilRemember that the trimmed azalea will have fewer flowers in the cut year, but it will have a positive effect on the growth of the entire bush.
Good to knowAn important factor influencing the blooming of azaleas is the removal of fading inflorescences. Break them off with your fingers when the shrubs finish flowering and no later than 3-4 weeks after flowering, before the seeds are even set. Skipping this treatment greatly reduces the number of new flower buds.
6. Azalea does not bloom because flower buds were damaged by frost
Most large-flowered azalea varieties are characterized by very high frost resistance. However, Japanese azaleas are shrubs that are sensitive to frost. Theirflower buds in early spring or autumn can be easily damagedWinter warming is very unfavorable for azaleas, which awakens them from dormancy and induces the development of flower buds. Dry winds and sudden drops in temperature during this period can cause azaleas to shed buds. In order to protect plants, it is advisable to carefully protect them from frost during the winter and cultivate them in secluded and wind-protected places, e.g. against a building wall or in a dense evergreen hedge.
7. Azalea does not bloom because it was damaged by wild animals
Azaleas may not bloomif their flower buds have been damaged by hungry animals during winter. If our garden or plot is located near the forest, they can become a place of frequent visits of wild animals, which in winter are looking for an easily accessible source of food.Hungry deer or hares can gnaw shrubs, including azaleas. During feeding, they candeprive azalea shrubs of a significant number of flower buds
To discourage animals from visiting our garden, you can use a few simple methods, such as high fences, electric shepherds or deterrents.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
