Garden Flower Gardens How to Grow and Care for Azalea Plants Here's an overview on planting, growing, and caring for this showy shrub. By Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould is a veteran freelance lifestyle reporter based in Phoenix, Ariz. with over 10 years of experience. She covers home, wellness, beauty, and travel for outlets such as Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Insider, TODAY, Bustle, TripSavvy, The Zoe Report, and others. Whether ruminating about interior design with the influential leaders in the industry, on the ground at NYFW talking trends with beauty and fashion pros, or venturing to a new corner of the world, she’s always eager to report on the latest and greatest. Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 23, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article Growing Options Care Tips Transplanting Common Problems Azalea plants are a perennial flowering shrub known for their joyfully vibrant blooms that come in a rainbow assortment of red, pink, purple, white, and other hues. They're part of the rhododendron family, and most varieties are deciduous, which means they shed their leaves in the fall and then provide a bountiful spray of color come spring. "Azaleas are a graceful accompaniment to any garden, adding delicacy and joy," says Courtney Sixx, co-founder of Bouquet Box. "They may also add a power punch to any garden with more vibrant color choices. You can plan the whole color scheme around them, or even stagger their blooms according to whether they are early, mid, or late bloomers." catnap72 / GETTY IMAGES While azaleas make for a dynamic addition to any yard, they're also an ideal plant to incorporate if you want to honor someone special. "Memories of loved ones are always my first choice for azaleas. You can plant one that blooms during the person's birth month or in their favorite color," Sixx says. Our Guide to the USDA Gardening Zones—Plus, the Best Plants to Grow in Your Region This splendid shrub thrives in planting zones 6 through 9, though some types can handle the cooler temperatures of zones 4 and 5. Keep reading for everything you need to know about how to grow and care for an azalea plant, including tips for growing from seed, transplanting, and identifying and correcting distress. Federica Grassi / GETTY IMAGES Plant These 10 Flowers in Your Garden for Good Luck Adding Azaleas to Your Yard If you want to add an azalea plant to your yard, you have two options: growing from seed or purchasing a mature plant. Growing From Seed Though azaleas can be grown from seed, it's considered a more challenging and time consuming route compared to starting from cuttings or a mature plant. "If you do decide to plant azaleas from seed, it's best to collect seeds from a mature plant and sow them in a well-draining potting mix and in a condition with warm temperatures, preferably around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit," says Nikhil Arora, the co-founder and CEO of Back to the Roots. It may take several weeks, or even months, for the seeds to germinate—and then a few years for them to reach maturity and produce flowers. Purchasing Azalea Plants To enjoy the beauty of azaleas from the get-go, opt for purchasing mature plants from a local nursery. Arora says to look for healthy foliage and well-developed buds, and to avoid any plants with signs of pests or disease, such as yellowing and wilting leaves. "Always check the plant tags for climate conditions and choose a plant that is best suited to your climate and growing conditions," says Arora. "Some varieties are better suited for warmer climates, while others do well in cooler regions." 10 Evergreen Shrubs for Year-Round Curb Appeal How to Care for Azaleas coreay / GETTY IMAGES While azalea plants are beautiful and widely loved for their blooms, they require some specific care and attention to thrive. It's important to be mindful of their preferred growing conditions, including soil acidity, light exposure, and watering needs, says Arora. This ensures you have healthy and vibrant azaleas in your garden. Soil Azaleas do best when planted in well-draining, acidic soil. "The ideal soil pH is 4.5 to 6. I usually plant mine in half soil, half peat moss," says Sixx. Fertilizer To help maintain the proper soil pH, apply a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring. "This can help promote healthy growth and blooming," says Arora. Light Azaleas prefer a location with filtered—not direct—sunlight or partial shade. Water "Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods, but the soil should not be waterlogged," Arora says. Pruning Pruning azaleas should be done after flowering to maintain their shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. The thick, woody stem requires sharp pruning shears. Clipping Flowers The colorful foliage produced by azaleas is one of the biggest perks of this plant. You can bring the beauty indoors by clipping them. Harvest buds when they are open or nearly open. 15 Shade-Loving Perennials to Brighten Up Your Garden How to Transplant Azaleas Transplanting azaleas is possible, but it's best to perform this task during the plant's dormant season in late fall or early spring. "Before transplanting, prepare the new location by ensuring it has well-drained soil and the proper light conditions," Arora says. "Dig a wide hole around the rootball of the plant and gently lift it out, taking care not to damage the roots. Then, place the azalea in the new hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.” Mulching around the base of the transplanted plant can help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Common Problems With Azaleas—and How to Fix Them Once they've matured, azaleas do well on their own. Just like other plants, though, it's important to routinely check the foliage for signs of distress or infection. Be on the lookout for the following issues. Root Rot Over-watering azaleas can lead to root rot. This occurs when the soil doesn't drain well, when there isn't proper drainage, and/or when you water too frequently. Aim to water your azalea plant in the morning so the sun can help dry up any excess water—and don't water more than once or twice per week. Scorched Petals "Scorched petals can occur if the plants are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, so providing shade or planting them in a location with filtered sunlight is recommended," Arora says. Bug Infestations Azaleas are susceptible to pests such as lace bugs, aphids, and spider mites. Signs of these critters include stippled leaves, black or brown spots (especially on the underside of leaves), and yellow or white discoloration. "Regular inspection of the plants and appropriate pest control measures, such as spraying with insecticidal soap or using organic methods, can help manage these issues," says Arora. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit