Questions about Azalias in FL (9a)

10 years ago

I bought 10 really nice quality azaleas
this past week. They will be planted on the new property we bought in
Silver Springs next week. We have the soil test and water PH test kits.
The 1st question is, what is best to add to the gray sand soil on the
property? I'm thinking topsoil and composted cow manure. Peat moss?

The second question is when and how to prune the 20+ old azaleas
already on the property. There are many in the neighborhood but most,
like the old ones on our new property, look scraggly and sparse-leafed
though they have blooms. Obviously these scraggly ones are not babied as
some others are. I know to prune after flowering, but how much is safe
to remove from these old 6' tall plants? I don't want to shock or kill them. We plan to fertilize them also
depending on the soil test.

Third question is is anyone using Ironite to "green up" azaleas?

Fourth question is when is the best time to take azalea cuttings to root in zone 9a?

Thanks for any advice.

Featured Answer

akamainegrower

10 years ago

I would seek out the advice of a nursery, your county extension service or state agriculture department for growing azaleas in the Florida climate specific to your area. In general, however, rhododendrons and azaleas need a highly organic, coarse planting medium that allows a lot of oxygen to reach the roots, will drain well but still hold moisture. Topsoil and cow manure are not at all likely to provide these conditions. The peat moss sold in bales is usually pretty useless, but if your sandy soil drains too fast to retain necessary moisture, this may be one case where it will be a valuable addition. If the peat moss dries out, however, it is very difficult to rewet. You would probably be better off using partially decomposed bark, pine straw, etc. Nearly all evergreen azaleas resprout easily after pruning, so there is very little danger in cutting back hard.

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Comments (7)

akamainegrower
10 years ago
Take cuttings when the wood is partially ripened. Springy but not woody. If a soil test indicates a need, Ironite is a good product.
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greenthumbs2
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
akamainegrower - We have plenty of pine straw and live oak leaves we can mix with the sand. The place were they are to go is a dark dirty looking fast draining gritty sand. Thank for that info. I'll get some regular compost to add to the pine needles and oak leaves. I'll also mulch then with the pine, pine bark and oak leaves. I already have Miracle Grow acid plant food and someone suggested watered down coffee. Have plenty of coffee around here. ;)
greenthumbs2
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I will use Ironite. Just looking at the color of the non-native plants on the property I can see they either need nitrogen or iron - probably both. We'll test the soil this coming week, but the kit doesn't do iron. A little wont hurt anyway.

OK, springy but not yet woody. This is our first year in FL so I'll have to watch and see when that occurs here. We're snow birds for the past 5 or 6 years who decided to by property and move here. I'm used to growing plants in zone 6 and 7.

I'll skip the peatmoss.
akamainegrower
10 years ago
Don't rely on Miracle Grow to acidify the soil, if that is your intent. Test first. If your soil is not acidic enough, use garden sulfur. Miracle Grow and similar fertilizers provide a quick, short lived shot of nutrients. This is the oposite of what azaleas need:a slow steady supply of nutrients. If a test reveals a need for fertilizer, Hollytone is a good product. Otherwise, rely on the steady decomposition of the mulch layer.
greenthumbs2
Original Author
10 years ago
akamainegrower - Good advice. Thanks. Can you suggest where to get sulfur here in Fl? What store carries it? I don't see it at HomeDepot, Lowe's or WalMart. I buy it in TN at a private Nursery. I have seen Hollytone several places. I'm aware that Miracle Grow is quick acting but not long lasting.
akamainegrower
10 years ago
Sulfur may be packaged as "Soil Acidifier" or a similar term. Be careful, though. Aluminum sulphate is also marketed in this fashion and can be lethal for azaleas. If sulfur is not available at Lowes or Home Depot, try a farm supply store. Not sure what these would be in FL. Tractor Supply, Agway, and independent farm supply stores are common in New England.