Azaleas and Rhododendrons are shrubs for all seasons. In the winter,
some stand out with enormous evergreen leaves. In the spring and
summer, the flowers on the shrub are vibrantly colored, while in
the fall, the leaves turn a deep green and enhance the look of your
garden.
Location:
The ideal location for azaleas and rhododendrons are in fairly mild
and humid conditions where they can receive filtered sun in the
morning and rest in the shade in the afternoon. A site sloping to
the north or east is usually the best location for them to grow
and they should be planted in a spot where they are protected from
the elements, especially wind.
Preparing the Soil Bed:
Drainage:
Azaleas and Rhododendrons need to be planted in soil that is prepared
carefully and efficiently. Due to the frail roots, drainage is important.
Dig a hole six-inches deep in the bed and fill it with water. If
the water does not drain from the hole within four hours, establish
drainage tile to sweep away excess water or else build-raised beds.
Starting the Bed:
It is more beneficial to plant azaleas and rhododendrons in groups
rather than individually. Do not place the bed too close to shallow-rooted
trees such as elm or maple.
Soil Acidity:
A pH level of 5.0 and 5.5 are the most suitable for the shrubs.
If you want to make your soil more acidic, simply apply agricultural
sulfur or iron sulfate to the soil.
Mixing the Soil:
An adequate amount of organic matter is necessary for the growth
of the shrubs. When using a clay soil base, combine with fifty-percent
peatmoss, leaf mold or oak leaves, twenty-five percent sand and
twenty-five percent topsoil. When using a native soil, combine fifty
percent soil and fifty percent organic material. Before adding the
soil, dig out any heavy, tight subsoil and save the topsoil. Combine
the topsoil, sand, organic material and sulfur, mix thoroughly and
put back into the bed. Fill the bed area four to six inches higher
than the surrounding soil to allow for settling. The bed should
be prepared many weeks before the plants are to be set out.
Planting:
Dig a hole in the prepared bed a bit larger, but no deeper than
the ball or container, setting the ball so it is two inches higher
than the surrounding soil. Planting the shrubs shallow is better
than too deep. Once the shrubs have been planted, soak the area
well. Mulching the area helps to retain the water into soil, course
materials such as partly decomposed oak leaves or pine needles.
In the winter months, pile the mulch higher to help prevent leaf
scorch or bark 
splitting
on the branches.
Fertilizing:
Apply a light treatment of fertilizer, such as Fertilome Azalia,
Camellia & Rhododendron Food, using no more than two pounds
per 100 square feet.
