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Planting azaleas is an easy way to bring bright color to your garden. The best time to plant these popular shrubs is when the ground is not frozen and summer's stifling heat is not upon you.
Spring
If you need to verify your plant's blossom color, plant standard azaleas in the spring. The shrubs should be planted as soon as the ground can be worked, so they have time to acclimate before summer.
Fall
Fall is the best time to plant azaleas. Summer's heat is over, and standard azaleas are not wasting their energy on blooming.
Encore Azaleas
Encore azaleas, which repeat bloom in spring, summer and fall, can be planted either in the spring or the fall. However, like standard azaleas, they'll establish more quickly in the fall without the threat of summer heat.
Choosing a Site
According to the Missouri Extension, azaleas need a site protected from drying south and west winds. A site that slopes to the north or east is usually best. Buildings and other hedges also can serve as windbreaks.
Planting
When planting your shrub, be careful with its shallow root system. While the hole you dig should be wider than the root ball, it should not be any deeper than the plant's current pot. According to Demesne.info, if you plant your azalea too deeply, it may develop crown rot, which is fatal.
Source:
U.S. National Arboretum: FAQ--Azaleas
Alabama Cooperative Extension Service: Azaleas
Resource:
Missouri Extension: Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons
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