Gardener tips: beautiful azaleas - zlin.cz

Most species of azaleas are evergreen even in winter and usually bloom in spring. Traditionally, red and white varieties are the most sought after, however, azaleas are exceptional due to their wide range of colors. In our horticulture, we also have variants with colored veining.

In order for the plants to thrive, several basic rules must be followed

Even when planting, it is necessary to think about a suitable substrate, which can be purchased already prepared, or we can create it ourselves by mixing peat and horticultural substrate in a ratio of 1: 1. The pH of the substrate must be between 4.5 and 5.5. The substrate should be nutritious, permeable, and for azaleas it should always be moist, not overwatered. When the plants dry out, the flowers drop, the leaves wither and, in the worst case, the leaves also fall. Azaleas do not tolerate calcium, so rainwater is suitable for watering, which it is soft.

The site should be semi-shaded, preferably under a sparser tree whose branches allow sunlight to penetrate, or in the northeast, where the plant is protected from the sharp afternoon sun.

At the time of setting buds and flowering, it is advisable to fertilize azaleas with special fertilizers, on the contrary, during the rest period, reduce fertilizing and watering. If the plant is strong and vital, it usually does not suffer from fungal diseases. If necessary, we can easily treat the plant with a fungicide spray.

The plants can be shaped by cutting to achieve a more compact appearance, or it is possible to tie the plants to a support to create a stem part.

Azaleas that we grow in containers should be placed in a bright, cool room for the winter so that the roots of the plants do not freeze. Or plant the plant in open ground in the fall, and for a good wintering, it is good to cover its lower part with pine needles or leaves to protect it during severe frosts.

You can find a wide range of azaleas in the garden center GardenMarket.