Azaleas are arguably the favorite shrub of New Orleans residents. A member of the Rhododendron family, azaleas can be seen blooming in almost everyone's yard. They come in white and varying shades of pink and red. I have even seen purple. You can easily find a variety that will work in your landscape.
SOIL
Azalea performs best in acidic, moist but well-drained soil. The soil should be loose and sandy; planting in clay is asking for root rot.
SUNLIGHT
Most azaleas thrive in partial sun or the filtered shade of tall trees. You will often see them under the magnificent live oaks here in the city.
MAINTENANCE
Just after the blooms fade is an ideal time to prune, mulch and fertilize with an acidic fertilizer such as cottonseed meal which is organic or commercial azalea food. Pine straw is the best option for mulch.
Beautiful mass planting of azaleas in Old Gretna, Louisiana.
Just after the blooms fade is an ideal time to prune, mulch, and fertilize with an acidic fertilizer such as cottonseed meal which is organic or commercial azalea/camellia food. Pine straw is the best option for mulch.
Peter