G U ARAN TEED TO GROW Azaleas and rhododendrons
usually succeed in well-drained soil. In heavy clay or highly
alkaline soil, try Gene’s recipe: Combine 2 parts pine bark
mulch, 2 parts humus or topsoil, and 1 part sand. Plant the
shrubs in mounds or berms of this mix,
above.
outdoors
GROWING
SECRETS
Rhododendrons tend to
be larger than azaleas,
and all are evergreen,
while some azaleas are
deciduous. They are
closely related and
need similar care.
Despite their finicky
reputation, Gene finds
them easy to grow by
providing the following:
■ Acidic soil
Test your
soil's pH. If higher than
6.0, apply sulfur to the
soil annually, after
plants bloom.
■ Shade
Site plants on
the north or east side of
a building, or under the
shade of a tree.
■ Drainage
Avoid
planting in sites with
saturated soil.
■ Moisture
Water
plants weekly during
the summer.
■ Hardiness
Use only
varieties that are cold-
hardy in your climate.
■ Fertilizer
Feed
plants only once
annually, after bloom,
with a product made
for acid-loving plants.
PLANTINGS
46
MARCH 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
