When it comes to growing azaleas, there’s almost no better place than Western North Carolina. The WNC mountains provide the mild climate and acidic soil that azaleas thrive in. By learning what types grow best in our region and some simple tips to care for them, you can have a yard full of beautiful, healthy azaleas!
Just the facts
Azaleas and rhododendron both belong to the genus Rhododendron, but it’s not hard to tell azaleas and rhododendrons apart: azaleas have funnel-shaped leaves and five stamens, while rhododendrons have larger leaves, bell-shaped flowers, and ten or more stamens.
There are two types of azaleas: deciduous and evergreen. Most deciduous azaleas are native to North America; the evergreen is of Asian origin. Deciduous is lesser known than the evergreen and have 16 species in the US but are very easy to grow in the mountains of Western North Carolina. They come in various colors and sizes and usually bloom early spring to late summer. Most are fragrant, and they produce white, pink, orange, yellow, and red flowers. They prefer slightly acidic soil and are tolerant of a wide range of soil moisture, although they prefer well-drained soil. Unlike the evergreen, they usually shed their dead flowers.
What’s our type?
The following kinds of azaleas grow particularly well in North Carolina:
Flame azaela. This type of azalea is a great choice for growing in the WNC mountains, since it doesn’t like excessive heat. It blooms in late spring and can grow up to 12 feet, producing bright, orange-yellow flowers.
Florida azalea. The Florida azalea also blooms early, and produces large, fragrant yellow blossoms. It can grow up to 15 feet.
Piedmont azalea. This bush grows 6-12 feet. The “Purple” variety has lovely lavender-purple blooms.
Sweet azalea. True to its name, the sweet azalea has a strong fragrance. Its white-to-light-pink flowers have distinct red pistils and filaments. It will grow anywhere from 8 to 12 feet.
Pro tip: Visit the NC Arboretum, which has a beautiful garden of azaleas, or take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which boasts thousands of beautiful flaming azaleas, usually in June. You can see first-hand what types of azaleas grow well in our region and decide which kinds you’d like to try in your own yard.
Planting
Winter and early spring are the best times to plant. Many azaleas prefer partial sun or shade filtered through trees. The east and north sides of your home are the best places to plant —too much sunlight will wilt the flowers and lace bugs will attack the plant. If you have pine trees, your azaleas will love growing beneath them; the pines will provide shade and pine needles add acidity to the soil. The ideal pH for azaleas is 5.5; you usually won’t have to adjust the pH of your soil here in WNC. Adding two to four inches of mulch around the plant will provide the right amount of nutrients and help balance moisture.
Pruning
Azaleas don’t need a lot of need of pruning. Simply cut them back with hand clippers after their flowers have faded.
Fertilizing and Mulching
In the spring, apply two to four inches of mulch and fertilize using a controlled-release, acid-forming fertilizer such as cottonseed meal or commercial azalea food. Don’t mulch in the fall — this will delay dormancy and increase the chance of winter damage. To avoid encouraging leaf growth at the wrong time, don’t fertilize before bloom.
Special TPS Deal for New Customers:
Now is the time to fertilize your azaleas to ensure this summer’s growth and next year’s bloom! Contract for our 7-step Turf Care Program or Premier Property Maintenance Package now through the end of May, 2020, and get half off Azalea Fertilization! (New customers only. Offer valid now through May 31, 2020.)
