Planting Azaleas
When a beautifully flowering bush is needed for a garden, planting azaleas will more than fit the bill. Available in a multitude of colors, this bush can be used as a centerpiece for a garden or as a wall covering depending on the variety.
Some of the azalea bushes are low growing, reaching heights of only 1 or 2 feet making them ideal for those with limited garden space. Their brilliant and profuse blossoms can make a bigger contribution to the garden than the plant size would indicate. For others who are seeking to cover an unattractive fence or to provide a visual break between yards can plant azaleas that can tower up to 8 feet tall. Blossoms are still as abundant, and can be a beautiful backdrop to an area that would otherwise be drab, public or unappealing.
Different seasons can also benefit from this lovely flowering bush. Planting azaleas that flower early in the year will provide color during the first days of summer, while later blooming bushes can bring visual appeal to your yard when others may be fading.
When planting azaleas, there are two seasons from which you can choose. Either spring or autumn are ideal times, although many gardeners attest to the fact that the azalea bush can be planted at any time of the year. Acidic soil is the preferred habitat for azaleas; you can purchase a soil condition home kit at just about any nursery. A pH of 7.0 or lower will indicate the acidic soil that the azalea enjoys. Also, be sure that the soil is well drained as the bush dislikes overly wet conditions.
Caring for your azaleas will prove to be quite easy. Mulching after planting azaleas will bring great rewards in terms of blooming. This task should be done at the beginning of each year. It helps the plant to retain moisture from the soil, prevents weeds from competing for valuable space and keeps the acidic quality in the soil. Also, if you are planting azaleas that grow quite tall but wish to control the growth, you may prune the bush after it has finished blooming in the fall.
One word of warning if you are planning on planting azaleas and have small children: all parts of the azalea plant are poisonous if consumed. The leaves in particular contain a great deal of toxins, but the flowers are just as dangerous. Eating any part of the azalea plant could cause severe complications, and may result in death.
Beautiful blooms are a welcome addition to any landscape or garden, and planting azaleas will bring a plethora of red, pink, purple, orange and blue blossoms that will light up any area. Whether the small ground variety or the towering giant is planted, you and any passerby are sure to be pleased with the results.