How big do Satsuki Azaleas get?
While most Satsuki azaleas are low and slow-growing mounded shrubs in the 3- to 4-foot tall range with a spread one-and-a-half times their height, some form upright bushes and others are trailing groundcovers. Satsuki azaleas (Rhododendron indicum) have been grown in Japan for at least 500 years and they are popular as bonsai. The first varieties of Satsuki azaleas are likely naturally occurring crosses of the two azalea species Rhododendron indicum and Rhododendron tamurae.
Are azaleas better in pots or the ground?
Azaleas grow best in a semi-shaded bed or woodland border in the garden, but they also do well in pots. Some azaleas (sometimes known as greenhouse azaleas) are suitable for bringing into the home from a cool, protected environment as house plants, although they will suffer if kept in warm, dry conditions for too long. Fertilize once at the beginning of spring. If you need to fertilize again, do so before August, as Encore Azaleas are sensitive to heavy fertilization. Apply liquid fertilizer directly to foliage and roots for an additional nutrient boost. Always follow label instructions and water well, no matter the brand.Keep in mind that azaleas are evergreen and therefore need light during the winter months. Once again I have been receiving the regular winter question “the leaves on my azaleas are turning yellow and dropping off”. To those that are new to azaleas and to those that need to be reminded, this a natural process.This is usually completed at the end of the spring bloom cycle. It may be performed in early spring, also, before or during flowering if you live in an area with more stressful summer growing conditions for azaleas. After pruning, there is no need to fertilize. Do not be concerned if no foliage is left.The best time to plant azaleas is in the late spring or early fall. They will provide you with gorgeous blooms the very next spring, so long as you take proper measures to get them off to a good start.Your azalea is getting thinner and “leggy” and you don’t know what to do in order to make it bushy again. Unfortunately many think that fertilizer is the answer, and this only make the plant grow larger and higher instead of fuller. What’s a gardener to do? The answer is simple: Snip the new growth as the flower fade.
How to make azaleas grow faster?
However, when you want to encourage new growth, or if your plant shows signs of nutrient deficiency, the right fertilizer helps remedy the problem. The best time to fertilize azaleas is during their dormancy between late fall and early spring. Insufficient moisture when buds are forming in late spring and summer will diminish flowering. Be sure Encore Azaleas receive consistent water throughout the growing season. An inch of water per week is ideal. Maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around azaleas to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.The tree should be watered at least once a day throughout the growing season to insure that the soil mass remains moist— not soggy. Azaleas do not like to dry out; if allowed to do so, the fine fibrous roots will quickly desiccate and die.With their compact stature, and repeat blooms, many Encore Azaleas can thrive in containers up and down the West Coast. Here are some practicalities for successful container culture.Best Companion Plants For Azaleas in Containers Ferns of all types, small variety Carex grass, and Alyssum make great filler plants while adding contrasting texture with their foliage and flowers that bloom later in the spring or summer.