JOIN NOW LOG IN
iVillage GardenWeb iVillage GardenWeb THE INTERNET'S GARDEN & HOME COMMUNITY ADVERTISEMENT
Blogs Forums Photo Galleries Ask The Experts Tools & Directories        
Return to the Azalea & Rhododendron Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Existing azaleas--acid soil

Posted by julieann_grow 9 (My Page) on
Mon, Feb 25, 08 at 19:26

I plan to amend the soil around my existing azaleas and want to know what would be best. I have some organic 6-2-2 and not sure if I should get a 10-10-10 or something else?

And, I know that Azaleas like acid soil. Should I put a cupful of sulphur around them too?

One of the bushes is mostly flowers and no leaves. Would some nitrogen around that one help?


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Existing azaleas--acid soil

  • Posted by morz8 Z8 Wa coast (My Page) on
    Tue, Feb 26, 08 at 21:46

Azaleas have somewhat low nutritional requirements compared to other shrubs when grown in acidic soil -Do you know the approximate ph of your soil as a starting point for making modifications?

There are several reasons for leaf drop in azalea - they can be sparse and leggy in too much shade, thrips can cause leaf loss as can drought, so fertilizer isn't always the right approach to the problem. I haven't had reason to fertilize my own in my naturally acidic soil, but Holly-Tone is the product often recommended for azaleas and rhododendrons in areas with less than perfect ph, it's 4-6-4 and contains the sulfur, rarely are larger amounts of nitrogen recommended.

Be careful too if you are thinking of cultivating around those surface feeding roots, it's easy to damage them. I find a top dressing of compost the best way to condition soil, slowly feed azaleas, conserve moisture.


 o
RE: Existing azaleas--acid soil

After finding out if your ph is too high, call cooperative extension in your state for soil testing, try lowering it with magnesium-organic or ammonium sulfate-inorganic. Don't go to a big box store to look for either one or you will get a huh?, go to a reputable garden center.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials


 
 

 

 


Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.



iVillage GardenWeb: The Internet's Garden & Home Community  
  iVillage Home & Garden Network