To grow and look their best, Bloom 'N Again Azaleas will benefit from fertilization and water (if and when needed). A little good advice goes a long way so read on to find helpful feeding and watering tips.
How To Fertilize Bloom 'N Again Azaleas
Bloom 'N Again Azaleas do niot require fertilizer. That said, a light dose of an azalea, camellia and rhododendron food or a slow-release shrub & tree food that contains sulfur and/or iron applied during late summer or early fall is beneficial. Avoid spring feeding as this can encourage new growth that will cover up the blooms. Alternatively, you can feed with a natural or organic plant food, preferably one that contains iron. Follow application instructions on the product label.
Mulch Is Sufficient!
The Azalea Society of America does not recommend feeding azaleas. They say mulching with compost is all that's necessary. I happen to agree. Apply a 1 to 2" layer of cured, shredded or chipped wood mulch, pine straw, or fallen leaves around azalea plants to conserve moisture and to suppress weed growth. As these organic materials decompose they add vital nutrients to the soil that your azaleas will appreciate. Avoid using freshly chipped or shredded wood for mulch until it has cured in a pile for at least 6 months, a year is better. Avoid placing or piling mulch directly against the base of your plant as this could cause the bark to rot.
Soil pH Is Important!
As with all other azaleas, the Bloom 'N Again Azaleas are acid-loving plants that grow best in an acid soil ranging from 5.0 to 6.5 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils range between 6.0 to 7.0 on the pH scale.
Testing Soil pH
Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. If you're unsure about the pH of your soil, and whether or not it's suitable for growing Bloom 'N Again Azaleas, it's a good idea to test the soil pH in the planting area.
You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.
Learn More: What Is Soil pH and How To Adjust It >
How To Water Bloom 'N Again Azaleas
Because they do not like constantly soggy or wet soil, avoid overwatering Bloom 'N Again Azaleas or planting them in a poorly drained soil that stays constantly soggy or wet. Well-drained soil is a must!
At Planting Time
Immediately after planting your Bloom 'N Again Azaleas deep soak the soil in the planting area, including the rootball, to a depth equal to the height of the root ball. For an extra boost, to stimulate early root formation and stronger root development you can water you newly planted Bloom 'N Again Azaleas with a solution of Root Stimulator, which reduces transplant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants. When planted during the winter dormant season plants will require less water. So, be extra careful not to overwater during winter!
During the First Active Growth Season
In average garden soil you should not have to water your newly planted Bloom 'N Again Azaleas every day. More often than not, this causes soggy soil conditions that can lead to root rot and other harmful plant diseases. In the absence of sufficient rainfall, water only as needed to keep the rootball and surrounding soil damp to moist. Keep in mind that deep soaking less frequently is much better than splashing just a little water on the plants every day. Bloom 'n Again Azaleas planted during the winter dormant season, when the plant is not growing and moisture is not evaporating from the soil as quickly, will require much less water.
Thereafter
When established, Bloom 'n Again Azaleas are quite drought tolerant. That being said, if you see new leaves wilting or tips of stems bending over during a drought this could be a sign that your azaleas could use a good deep soaking.
Note: When watering with an automated irrigation system it's best to set your timer to water during the early morning hours and not in the late evening or at night, which can lead to the onset of fungus and other foliage diseases. During the first few weeks after planting, check soil moisture often and adjust irrigation time if necessary to keep the soil moist, not wet.
How To Water Azaleas In Containers
Bloom 'N Again Azaleas growing in containers will require closer attention to soil moisture. Use the finger test to check soil moisture regularly and only provide water if the top inch or two of the soil is somewhat dry to dry. During cooler months, plants will not require nearly as much water.