You’ve just brought home your new azalea. The first signs of petals peek from tight-fisted buds. You wait with impatient excitement. Full bloom is just around the corner. But now is the time to learn more about your new specimen.
Azaleas are a grouping of flowering shrubs within the genus Rhododendron. Species can be found growing natively in more than one continent, North America included, and many species within Rhododendron have been hybridized to create a plethora of cultivated varieties. Cultivars vary widely in cold hardiness, with some surviving frigid subzero winter conditions and others perishing at much warmer winter thresholds.
All azaleas thrive in moist, well-drained soils rich in organic composition. Like blueberries, all azaleas grow best in acidic soils with a pH of 4.5-6 (Clemson Cooperative Extension, 2019). And all azaleas have only modest demands when it comes to nutrition. But the similarities between azalea varieties soon come to an end! In fact, the differences amongst azalea species is astounding, and these differences have huge implications in the home and yard. So my primary goal today is to explain exactly what it is that you will receive from Winter Gardens, as well as what your care options are for your Winter Gardens azalea.
The plants provided through Winter Gardens Greenhouse are considered florist azaleas, or greenhouse azaleas, originating in whole or in part from native Chinese species. They are distinctly different from the hardy azaleas grown in the southern United States. Greenhouse azaleas are bred for, among other things, exceptional blooms.
Short-term care of your azalea is simple. Water your specimen well every time the soil begins to dry out (this may be every 2-3 days), and keep the plant at room temperature. Your azalea will need no fertilizer to finish it’s blooming cycle; in fact, pre-bloom fertilizer can reduce your display of blossoms. Place the plant in moderate light. If your plant is not already in full bloom at the time of purchase, you will soon see a beautiful display of the Creator’s artistry! Soak it in.
But what about post-bloom care?
Here’s where things get unusual–and here’s why it’s so important to realize what type of azalea you have. Greenhouse azaleas, as opposed to the hardy azaleas planted outside, are not bred for outdoor planting. They are bred as a spectacular florist product; they are not even bred as long-term house plants. That said, the determined houseplant connoisseur may wish to take on the challenge of keeping his azalea from year-to-year and generating subsequent blooms! If that describes you, take heart.
Larry Hodgson, from laidbackgardener.blog has addressed this very issue regarding greenhouse azaleas in an excellent article entitled “Why Do My Indoor Azaleas Keep Dying?”. This article will help you understand exactly what steps are needed to turn a florist azalea into a beautiful perennial houseplant. We highly recommend it.
But maybe you’re not prepared to take on the perennial care of another houseplant. Maybe you’ll decide to make the most of your beautiful specimen during it’s present flush of blossoms. In that case, may the memories you make with family and friends become perennial memories.
Sources
Clemson Cooperative Extension: Home and Garden Information Center (2019). Azalea Care. Retrieved 7/19/21 from https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/azalea-care/
Hodgson, L. (2019). Why Do My Indoor Azaleas Keep Dying? Retrieved 7/19/21 from https://laidbackgardener.blog/2019/03/21/why-do-my-indoor-azaleas-keep-dying/