Azaleas ( Rhododendron spp . ) typically blossom flowers every spring in a variety of colors , such as pink , white , royal or ruddy . Arizona consists of United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 10 , which have average wintertime low temperatures from minus 20 degree to plus 35 stage Fahrenheit . This vast difference of opinion in climates makes choosing the correct azalea essential if you require it to fly high . fortuitously , there are many azalea varieties and they differ in plant robustness , normally run from geographical zone 4 to 9 , making most of Arizona a suitable climate to turn azalea . Once a variety is chosen , most azaleas are plant in a like manner .

Step 1

pick out a planting fix that receives morning Lord’s Day and afternoon tad . Do not imbed near sunny pavement and driveways , or near west - front walls because the heat emitted from these surfaces is more likely to induce the azalea to dry out during the summertime months , especially in the hotter zones of Arizona . In addition , do not plant under trees since trees and the azalea will contend for the same body of water and nutrients . void institute in orbit where water tend to pool , such as near a downspout .

Step 2

Test the soil ’s pH level and adapt the level . Take a soil sampling to your local county extension position to be test or purchase pH soil testing strips at your local baby’s room . Ideally , the soil should have a pH level between 4.5 and 6.0 . free-base on the results , if necessary , conform the pH tier by adding sulfur to lower the acidic level or lime to raise it . Dosing will be free-base on your initial upshot , so follow the dosing instructions on the label .

Step 3

compass a hole that is the same deepness , but two to three time as wide as the plant ’s container . Plant multiple azaleas to accommodate their full fledged width , which differs among varieties .

Step 4

Mix in organic matter , such as compost or leaf mold , to the filth you just dug out until the unexampled soil is composed of one - third to one - one-half constitutional matter . Then , make full the kettle of fish back in , jam it down lightly as you go .

Step 5

Water the azalea before institute it and take it out of its container . tap on the sides with a cock can sometimes help get it out . If the root are circling the soil , take a knife and cut four even vertical cunt that are 2 inches deep and then loosen the root with your hands .

Step 6

Plant your azalea in the gist of the amended soil . Dig a hole late enough so that the top of the root ball when planted is 1 inch above earth storey . However , some Arizona dirt have mellow sum of money of clay particles . If your soil is commonly high-pitched in the Great Compromiser , then dig a muddle so that the top of the tooth root ball is 2 to 4 inches above ground level when planted .

Step 7

Back fill the amended soil to fill in around the radical clump and pack it down lightly . forge a gradual side from the top of the root ball to the outside circumference of the original hole you dug out in step 3 .

Step 8

irrigate the azalea with 2 to 3 in of water and then lay 4 inches of organic mulch , such as bark , wood chips , true pine straw or shredded leaves . This will help maintain water supply and help the soil from baking , specially in the hotter Arizona zones . Mulch also keeps the grime strong during the wintertime in the cooler zones . Mulch should be swill like the soil to help with water drainage .

Things Needed

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