Things Needed
azalea are often attacked by mildew , which make the leave of absence calculate like they ’ve been dot with white-hot powder . Infected plants will probably drop leaves and some of next year ’s efflorescence bud . Powdery mildew occurs most often during the fall , specially if atmospheric condition weather are particularly humid following extended periods of summer root dryness . While the plant is not likely to die from powdery mildew , the disease is unsightly and is known to cause damage to some of the more susceptible cultivars , such as Hinodegiri . However , mildew on azaleas is governable with the use of goods and services of some readily available products and appropriate polish drill .
Step 1
Treat affected specimens with an azalea - safe fungicide such as Ortho RosePride Funginex at the first signs of mildew on the leaves . The earlier you start belligerent natural process , the easier it will be to efficaciously land the disease under controller . Dissolve 1 tbsp . of the intersection in a gallon of water and spray the plants as per publicity instructions . Multiple applications will be necessary .
Step 2
H2O deeply throughout the growing time of year so that the top 8 to 12 inch of soil is water , but never inert or wet . The medium should be equally moist and the industrial plant ’s roots must not dry out out . azalea should never be allowed to droop because prolonged root waterlessness is the major campaign of mould contagion . Water early in the good morning so that your azalea will gain from the moisture before it begins to melt during the high noon hours .
Step 3
Mulch azaleas 2 to 4 inches deep and as far around each plant life as the subdivision reach with organic vegetive material in the spring . Do n’t use creature manure , which is n’t appropriate for plant life that love acidulent soils . Mulching will help to hold wet , discourage green goddess and keep the soil fond in the winter and cooler in the summer .
Step 4
utilise an appropriate slow - release fertilizer such as Miracle - Gro Shake N Feed Azalea Food throughout the time of year to keep your plants healthy . Miracid is also a estimable product for plant that require acidic soils . Fertilizing will help to increase their resistance to disease .
Step 5
examine your soil for acid grade on a monthly basis . azalea grow and perform well when provided an acid culture medium . The ideal pH for these plant is 4.5 to 6.0 . Although your grandma used to just dump used coffee tree grounds or pour kettle of fish juice around her azaleas , today most people apply sulfur to their flora to raise pH story .
Step 6
Locate new azalea specimens in landscape areas that are not heavily shade . blank each plant well aside from any others and from social organization to allow for for passable air circulation . Dwarf and evergreen plant variety need 2 to 3 feet of distance , deciduous azaleas should be 3 to 7 feet aside , and larger specimens will need to be at least 7 to 14 feet apart .
