Azalea care guide
Rhododendron
Also known as: Azalea, Satsuki azalea, Hirado azalea, Kurume azalea
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Leaves, flowers and nectar contain compounds reported to be toxic to dogs and cats, causing drooling, vomiting, weakness and irregular heartbeat; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian if eaten.
How often to water Azalea
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Shallow roots dislike drying out, so as a guide water a pot thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, daily in midsummer heat.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- Drying slows, so as a guide wait about a day after the surface dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 5 days
- Dry winter wind still dries an outdoor pot; as a guide, water on a mild day once the soil is dry.
Light and placement for Azalea
As a guide, give it sun and good airflow; it grows in shade but sets fewer buds, and in the ground it generally flowers well even in all-day sun if kept watered.
Overwintering Azalea
Overwintering guide: −10°C (14°F) or above
Hardy: it generally overwinters outdoors; keep pots out of dry north wind and from freezing solid, and do not bring it into a heated room.
Fertilizing and repotting Azalea
Fertilizer
As a guide, give a little slow-release fertilizer right after flowering in May or June and again around September, none in midsummer or winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Azalea
- Pruning after midsummer removes next year's flower buds, so it does not bloom.
- Lace bugs on the leaf undersides leave the leaves pale and speckled.
- A pot that dries out in summer drops its leaves and dies.
Tips for growing Azalea
- Prune right after flowering, by the end of June at the latest, to keep next year's buds.
- They like acidic soil, so pot them mainly in kanuma soil.
- Picking off spent flowers keeps the plant from wasting energy on seed.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
