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AzaleaAzalea is part of the rhododendron family so the requirements are basically the same. Shade to lite shade, protection from the Winter sun and wind. Shallow roots will give you a hard time, be careful working around them as they are susceptible to damage. Soil should be 1/4 soil,1/2 organic matter (peat moss, shredded oak leaves, cedar or pine bark) and 1/4 clean sand.This is a good time to add a slow release fertilizer into the mix. This is a good mixture for all acid loving shrubs. By adding 3 inches of mulch around your shrubs twice a year their roots will be protected in Winter as well as Summer. In addition,you will be adding organic matter to the soil. Let me stress the better the soil the less fertilizer required. Heavy clay soil can be remedied by raising your bed by 6 to 8 inches with the soil mixture mentioned above and plant your shade gardening plant. This will allow the shrub the required good drainage. Should the leaves turn yellow and the veins stay green, chances are you'll need to add a little acid fertilizer to the soil. Over fertilizing is more of a problem than under fertilizing. This wonderful shade loving plant comes in a variety colors as well as sizes from 8 to 80 inches tall, so look for the one to match your needs. Watering is essential during dry spell. Pinching the flower tips after blooming will increase the blooms the following year,making for a bushier shrub. A few more gardening plants for shade.
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