Get to Know the Azalea
Azaleas belong to the genus Rhododendron and most are native to eastern Asia (evergreen species) or North America (deciduous species). Over 800 selections exist today and hundreds of them are grown in Florida. Azaleas are called "the royalty of the garden" and are known locally as wild honeysuckle.

Light
Azaleas perform best in areas with filtered sunlight. Their shallow root system and low tolerance to poor soil drainage make placement and care important. Partial shade under pine trees or strategically spaced hardwoods provides conditions for healthy growth and optimum flowering. Dense shade reduces plant growth and flowering. Azaleas exposed directly to early morning sun after a hard freeze are susceptible to cold injury. Rapid thawing of frozen twigs and branches may result in bark splitting.

Soil
Well-drained, organic soils with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 are best suited for azaleas. Organic amendments and fertilization are usually necessary to modify Florida soils for proper azalea growth. Organic amendments, fertilizers, and pH-adjusting amendments should be incorporated into the planting bed or soil backfill during planting. Frequent and light applications of fertilizers are necessary in Florida's sandy soils.

Pruning
Pruning is necessary to obtain a full, well-branched azalea. Several light prunings early in the active growing season will result in compact growth and numerous branches on the present season's growth. Terminal vegetative growth stops after flower initiation and subsequent bud development. Pruning after flower bud initiation will decrease the number of spring flowers. Therefore, established plants should be pruned shortly after flowering.

Disease & Insects
The most common diseases reported on azaleas include petal blight, leaf gall and various azalea declines. Lacebug, white fly, leafminers, spider mites, scale and stem borers are the most common insects that attack azaleas.

Information courtesy of the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) for the people of the State of Florida.