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Azalea advice.

GraysGrays Posts: 172
in Plants
Hi all,
I am looking for some advice with this azalea. 
I have just reported it in the correct ericaceous compost this morning (schoolboy error using general purpose) and hope it survives and is healthy going forward.
Should I prune it now? Or should this have been done after flowering?
Any advice to help it would be appreciated. 

Posts

  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    You don't prune Azaleas...unless they are so huge you run out of space.
    If you want you can just pinch out the dead flowers/seed heads.
    Otherwise leave alone and keep it well watered.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Yes, what Silver surfer says,I would add,put it somewhere shady. They really need rain water, but that probably isn't possible at the moment
     If you don't give it a lot of water now,you won't get flowers next year. Do you know what variety?
  • GraysGrays Posts: 172
    Hi,
    I'm not sure of the variety I’m afraid (purple flowers) but I have moved it to a more shaded area, and will try to use rain water going forward.
    I was a bit worried as we had one the other year that just died off.
    Thanks for the advice.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They don't actually need acidic soil, but if they're staying potted, they do need a soil based medium, to which you can add some of that ericaceous compost. 
    It's a bit of a myth that azaleas all need acidic soil to grow well - neutral is fine, as long as it isn't at the alkaline end of neutral   :)
    They do need moisture, good drainage, and some shade - especially if you're in a hotter part of the country. That searing mid day sun is difficult for any of the azalea family,  although the evergreen Japanese types cope well if they have everything else right. For winter, some pot feet to keep it off the hard surface will help prevent the opposite problem of waterlogging   :)
    The only other thing I'd add is -  terracotta pots soak up a lot of moisture which then deprives the plant. If you can get a glazed pot for it that would be better, or alternatively, give the pot a coat of varnish or PVA, that helps prevent precious water getting soaked up by the pot instead of going to the roots.  As @Nanny Beach says, late summer is when they need the most attention re water, so that they can form next year's buds well.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GraysGrays Posts: 172
    Thanks again. 
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