WM. M. JOHNSON’S WEEKLY GARDENING COLUMN #11
[Publication Target Date is Wednesday, March 13, 2019]
Dr. William M. Johnson
Galveston County Extension Agent – Horticulture
Date: March 10, 2019
Phone: 281-309-5057
Azaleas Are Spring Showoffs
In March 2017, I toured several sites along the Azalea Trail sponsored by the River Oaks Garden Club. It was a dreary and rainy day. Even though the prime flowering period for most of the azaleas had passed, the remaining azalea flowers provided ample glints of colors to lighten up a rather drab day.
Fast forward to this year’s Azalea Trail and yes, it was cloudy and rainy (since it’s still March). However, the azaleas were in their prime blooming period.
Azaleas in the Galveston County area are just coming into their prime blooming period. It would be difficult to ignore azaleas blooming in landscapes that are otherwise just coming out their winter sleep. Azaleas are spring showoffs!
Few shrubs in the landscape can rival azaleas for flower power when they are in full bloom. Although the floral display may be relatively short with many of our traditional azaleas, such as the Indica azaleas, it ensures the continued popularity of this time-honored Southern shrub.
Surprisingly, azaleas will grow and bloom in many different light intensities all the way from filtered shade to bright sunny exposures. However, they will not bloom in deep shade. There is no secret formula to growing azaleas except for giving them proper care. This care means being careful in preparation of the planting bed, proper fertilization, pruning and special attention to water requirements.
Azaleas can certainly be planted in the spring. This is the time of the year when garden centers have the best selection and gardeners can see potted plants in bloom. Spring-planted azaleas may take a little longer to become established than those planted in the fall or winter.
Fall and winter months would be the best time to plant. Fall and winter planting encourages root growth before spring bloom and shoot growth commence. Summer planting really should be avoided by most gardeners, although you can be successful planting at that time by providing extra care (primarily watering).
