What is the feeding/protecting protocol? I lost lots of my azaleas to too much shade, too much competition and lack of feeding.. I need help!
Robin in Spring TX
Wintering Azaleas in Zone 9
Hi Robin,
Hmmm, wish I could help you. My azaleas have hung in there, despite me! I think I've heard that you don't need to feed them just before winter (you don't want to encourage new growth, cold weather and frost is hard on the new growth.) I think at this time you basically want to mulch them well (they have shallow roots.) Fertilizer them early Spring, as they break dormancy.
Anyone else?
There an azalea/Rhoddie forum now http://davesgarden.com/forums/f/rhodosetc/ . Possobly someone over there could answer your question.
Although I have azaleas and have for a number of years I'm not the best person to answer your question. But I will be watching your thread for the answer. ;->
My azaleas usually bloom on Mother's Day! I don't do anything special for them for the winter and they've done fine. And, they've done fine in almost full shade.
I've always heard to fertilize them once a month in the three months after they stop blooming -- that works out to May, June and July for me. I also give them a shot of fish emulsion/seaweed/Superthrive whenever I'm doing that for all the beds. That was only June and July this year since it was so blame hot after that.