Patio Azaleas Update!
Azaleas are in the genus Rhododendron, with deciduous azaleas as a subgenus. We are now beginning to grow our first potted Patio Azalea transplants for shipping. These newer deciduous azalea varieties are compact for patio planters, and cold-hardy to 10-20 below zero with wind chill.
So like our Patio Blueberries, Patio Azaleas are an excellent choice for patio planters to decorate your decks, porches, patios, and sidewalks year-round. Patio Azaleas are acid-loving plants, and will be similar in care to our Patio Blueberries.
Our Patio Azalea transplants will be shipped in 9" deep pots, the same as our Patio Blueberry transplants. Planting instructions, a Patio Azalea Care Card, and free shipping will be included.
Please check back with us every few months on our progress with this addition to our nursery inventory of acid-loving, compact and cold-hardy patio plants.
Growing Azaleas
Patio Azaleas are relatively pest-free, forgiving, and easy to grow plants. The following are some growing tips:
- Watch outdoor temperatures, especially as they drop to subzero with wind.
- Some shade is preferable, but some deciduous varieties can also do well with lots of sun.
- An acidic media (pH 5.0-5.5) is best for Patio Azaleas in patio planters.
- A topmulch of fir bark or pine bark conserves moisture, and gives a finished look to Patio Azaleas.
- Patio Azaleas do not like "wet feet", so use patio planters with excellent drainage.
- Patio Azaleas prefer consistently moist media. Adequate watering after the bloom period will help to produce more flower buds for next year. A less frequent deep soaking is more effective than daily superficial sprinklings. The amount of water needed depends on outside temperature, humidity, wind, and sunlight.
- Fertilize in late Spring with our organic Patio Azalea fertilizer. One annual application is all that is needed.
- Prune Patio Azaleas soon after they bloom, to avoid cutting off next year's flower buds later.
- Use a Safer brand spray in the Spring on the buds as they show color, to control petal blight as needed.
