Whether you’re looking for an azalea for a shady spot or sunny patch, a small space or a large opening to fill, there is an azalea out there for you! Learn about the different types of azaleas, and which one might be the best for your needs. Find out how to take care of your azaleas so you can enjoy them for many years to come!

These are a type of evergreen azaleas known for their ability to bloom multiple times a year, typically in summer, and fall. They come in a variety of colors and are prized for their versatility and continuous flowering. Encore azaleas can also handle more sun than other varieties!

Gumpo azaleas are a type of dwarf evergreen azalea known for their low growth habit and spring blooms. They typically have medium sized flowers compared to other azalea varieties. Gumpo azaleas are often used in borders and small spaces due to their compact size. A bonus for these is that they rarely lose their blooms to frost as they bloom in May.

Perfecto Mundo azaleas are a series of compact, evergreen azaleas that offer continuous blooms from spring through fall, similar to Encore azaleas. They are known for their vibrant colors and tidy growth habit, making them ideal for smaller gardens or container planting.

Unlike the varieties mentioned above that are evergreen, deciduous azaleas lose their leaves in the winter. They bloom in mid-April to mid-May, and begin to leaf out once their bloom time is over, making them a unique specimen shrub. They prefer dappled sun all day or part shade, and do well to be protected from the hot afternoon sun. Some deciduous azaleas we carry include Gibraltar, Klondyke, and Mandarin Lights. There are some native varieties and some hybrids. 

If azaleas receive the proper light, water, and fertilizer, they will provide beauty to your garden for many years. Be sure to choose the right azalea for the area you are planting it in, taking into consideration the light requirements and mature size of the plant.

Planting: Fall and early spring are the best times to plant azaleas, so their roots can establish before the heat of summer or cold of winter. Dig the hole twice as wide as the rootball and only slightly deeper. Add Daddy Pete’s Planting Mix to the soil that has crumbled up and dug from the hole- about 25-30%. Cut into the rootball of the azalea about 1/2” down the side of the rootball in 3 places , equally spaced. Fill in the hole until about 1” of the rootball is above the previous ground level. Azaleas like to be planted shallow in our clay soil. Fill in the rest of the hole with the amended soil. Bring the amended soil up to the top of the rootball, but not over it. Water well. Mulch with pine needles or mulch.

Pruning: Most azaleas will benefit from some pruning after they have bloomed. The timing of when to prune will vary depending on the type of azalea, but as long as you remember to prune after they have flowered for the year, you will be safe!

Fertilizing: The best time to feed azaleas is in late spring, right after they bloom, just before new growth begins. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote to promote healthy growth. 

Watering: Azaleas generally prefer moist, well-drained soil. During the growing season, which typically spans from spring to early fall, azaleas should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In hot weather or during periods of drought, more frequent watering may be necessary to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Water thoroughly so the water penetrates throughout the rootball and not just the surface.