All the Dirt: Give Deciduous Azaleas a Try

By Jim Nunweiler Saturday, April 17, 2010

We are all familiar with the popular evergreen azaleas grown throughout the region. The deciduous azaleas are those that lose their leaves during the winter. We have a variety that is native to the area. Its botanical name is Rhododendron (roh-do-den-dron) canescens (kan-ess-kens). It has many common names, such as Wild Azalea, Pinxter Azalea, or the Sweet Mountain Azalea. They can be found throughout the woodlands of Virginia.

This azalea is currently in bloom and has an intoxicating fragrance that you smell well before you see the plant. This native is hardy from zone 6 through zone 9.

Many of the deciduous varieties developed are much hardier then the evergreen varieties. They can withstand the harsher winters found further north. A few of the hybrids that have been developed are the Mollises, Ghents, and Exburys. Many of these will remain hardy into zone 5. These come in a wide array of colors that include shades of pinks, reds, yellows, oranges and whites. Fall foliage color is also a plus with reds to mahoganies.

All deciduous azaleas prefer a moderate acid soil that is found in this region. They also love organic compost and like to stay moist. They enjoy the heat and humidity and can withstand direct sun exposure or partial shade. Keep an abundant amount of mulch at the base of the plant to keep the soil cool and moist.

Fertilize after the plant has bloomed, but no later than the beginning of July. If you fertilize later the plant will send out fresh growth that could be damaged when colder weather arrives. Cottonseed meal is a good non-burning fertilizer for azaleas.

Pruning is not a big issue. Removing any dead wood and general shaping is all that’s necessary. Caution: Do not prune the shrubs after July 1 or you could be removing next year’s flower buds.

There are very few insects or diseases that affect these azaleas. If you incur spider mites during the heat of the summer, a miticide in a spray bottle should clean them up. Always spray on the underside of the leaves where the mites are present.

Some of the hybrids mentioned can be found at local garden centers by variety and color. The centers usually sell the ones that are best suited for our area. They tend to be a bit pricier than the evergreen azaleas but can give you eye-stopping colors that you can’t find with the evergreen. Experiment with some of these and you’ll be glad you did.