Types

• There are two types of azaleas. Deciduous azaleas drop their leaves every fall as opposed to evergreen azaleas that have leaves all year round. The evergreen azalea actually has two sets of leaves. They lose leaves in the fall but not all of them. The leaves that they retain in the fall are lost in the spring.
  
  Azaleas are hardy in USDA planting zones 5 through 9. Generally, azaleas prefer the warmer more humid zones of 7 through 9 but they do very well in zones 5 and 6. There are some evergreen types that are hardy to zone 4.
  
  

Water

• Water azaleas regularly. Do not let them dry out. Move the mulch aside and check the soil twice each week. If the soil is dry give the bush a good soak and wet the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Extra watering may be necessary throughout the hot dry summer weather, especially during the first year after they are planted. Wilting and dropping leaves is an indication that the plant is not getting enough water.
  
  

Soil

• Azaleas grow best in an acid soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. They need a rich soil that drains well. Soil that is very sandy or is mostly clay should have some compost, ground pine bark and a good rich topsoil mixed into it before planting the azalea bush. Add sand to clay soil for improved drainage.
  
  

Mulch

• Mulch azaleas generously. Cover the ground around and underneath them with at least 3 to 4 inches of mulch to retain moisture and keep weed growth under control.
  
  

Light

• Azaleas prefer a partially sunny location. Plant them where they will get a few hours of full sunlight, preferably in the cooler hours of the morning, and either shade or filtered sunlight during the hot afternoon hours. They can grow in full sun but the flowers may fade from excessive sun exposure.
  
  

Fertilizer

• Give azaleas a fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants right after it finishes blooming if necessary and no later than the first of July. They generally do not require any fertilizer at all. Do not put the fertilizer within 4 to 6 inches of the base of the bush. Pour the fertilizer mix around the bush outside of the edge of the branches and water it well into the ground. Wash the plant off thoroughly to make sure there is no residual fertilizer on the leaves.
  
  

Considerations

• Avoid planting azaleas where they will be exposed to harsh winter weather conditions and wind. Harsh weather conditions can damage the buds and plant resulting in a less than stellar show of blooms in the spring.