How to Care for Exbury Azaleas
- 1
Exbury azaleas grow in British Columbia.lac le jeune, british columbia image by Alan James from Fotolia.com
Plant Exbury azaleas in the zones that offer them the ideal growing climate. This species is hardy in zones 5 to 8 of the USDA hardiness zone map. According to "Sunset Western Garden Book," it's adapted to the cooler climates in western North America, including the mild areas east of the Cascade Mountains and the warmer regions of Alaska and British Columbia. - 2
Acidic soil is best for azaleas.acid image by charles taylor from Fotolia.com
Grow Exbury azaleas in acidic soil, a requirement they share with their evergreen cousins. Their ideal pH is 4.5 to 6.0, says Clemson Cooperative Extension. Garden supply stores sell pH test kits and your local cooperative extension staff has suggestions for increasing soil acidity if necessary. - 3). Amend the soil with organic matter. Adding compost, manure or similar products to the ground makes it as rich in nutrients as azaleas require. It also improves soil aeration and drainage. Azaleas' shallow roots can develop root rot when water pools on the surface.
- 4
Exbury species produce the most blooms in full sun.Sun image by KPICKS from Fotolia.com
Plant Exbury azaleas in full sun. Unlike evergreen species, deciduous azaleas don't bloom well in shade. - 5
Mulch protects azaleas' shallow roots.pine bark mulch image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your azalea shrub to cover the soil. This reduces water evaporation, keeps the roots insulated from too much heat or cold, and suppresses weeds.
Source...