Azalea Facts
One of the wonderful azalea facts that most people associate with the plant is their amazing capacity for blooming. During a flowering season, a common and wonderful sight to see is an azalea bush fully bedecked with blossoms.
The azalea is a member of the rhododendron family that has several varieties available from which to choose. Regardless of the space accessible to a gardener, azaleas can be a beautiful addition to their landscape or garden area. Small, low growing azalea bushes reaching heights of only 1 or 2 feet may work well for some gardeners while for others a towering wall of blossoms growing up to 8 feet high can provide an incredibly colorful backdrop to their landscape. Azalea facts show that their sister plants, rhododendrons achieve greater heights than the azalea; some of them can reach 80 feet high!
In addition to having the capability of choosing the best size bush for your garden, azalea facts of their blooming season will be helpful in deciding on which azalea to plant. Some of the azalea bushes are early blooming, while others bloom later in the year. Azalea colors also have a broad range from which to choose; oranges, reds, blues and purples can adorn landscapes in profuse blossoms.
Planting of the azalea, facts show, can be done at most any time of the year. For the best results, azaleas should be planted in either the spring or the fall. Choose a location that will provide good drainage for the azalea; facts pertaining to the plant’s mortality are usually traced to wet soil conditions. Moisture is important, but not continually wet feet. Also, an acidic soil is preferred for azaleas.
Caring for the azalea plant once established in the garden is quite simple. Composting is great for any plant, but the azalea in particular enjoys the acidic addition composting provides. Mulch around the bottom of the bush helps to retain moisture and omit weeds from cropping up. Be sure to keep the mulch at least two inches from the trunk circumference to prevent insect infestation. Pruning can be done for taller bushes if desired to control the height of the azalea bush, and should be done after blooming has finished flowering in the spring. Azaleas bloom from old wood, so cutting new growth after blooming season will not interfere with next year’s blossoms.
If children are part of the gardener’s family, care should be taken with the azalea; facts prove that all parts of the rhododendron and azalea are dangerous if consumed. Leaves in particular are toxic, but the flowers are as well. Complications such as abnormal heart rates, stomach irritation and pains have been reported; the azalea can also cause convulsions, coma and death.
The azalea can be a beautiful addition to a garden, regardless of size. Its beautiful foliage and abundant blossoms create a showy feature in landscapes and gardens alike. Having full information on azalea facts for planning and safety measures will ensure that your garden will be enriched with the addition of the azalea bush.