Do you know if your soil is acidic?

Floral, couldn't you assume it's acidic if a couple of azaleas persisted for 22 years? Also at least fairly well drained, but not overly dry.

I'm surprised 2 azaleas lasted 22 years in full sun in zone 6B. Take a look at Spireas, Weigelas, some of the smaller Hydrangea paniculatas, Fothergillas.

When my azaleas look skanky, I cut them back. They last for decades in full sun in Northern VA with adequate water.

zone 6 is about half the US.. we need big city name.. are you in northern MI.. or MO??? .. colorado... long island.... ??? .... location matters..

we also need some pix... if you want better suggestions than just throwing some names around ..

i had As for over 20 years in my rather neutral sand.. and NEVER amended the soil ... and can you believe.. they died after those 20 years.. lol .. anyway.. i dont think we can paint a broad picture on a comment that acidic soil is necessary ..

ken

" i dont think we can paint a broad picture on a comment that acidic soil is necessary .. "

If we are still talking azaleas, then yes, acidic soil IS necessary. Azaleas are just a form of rhododendron and like all Ericaceous plants, do require acidic soil to thrive.

I'd look at dwarf abelias - 'Kaleidoscope', 'Lemon and Lime'. 'Lemon Twist', 'Confetti', 'Funshine', etc. Will stay within your size requirements, have summer flowers that attract hummingbirds, most have brightly colored foliage and should be more or less evergreen in zone 6 (described as "semi-evergreen")

Zone 6B Rhode Island many Oak trees around soil is acidic

How about planting natives? Here in northern Virginia, I have native azaleas, Physocarpus (may grow too large for you, but can be pruned), Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey tea), and others. Maybe check the Rhode Island Native Plants Society? Rhode Island Native Plant Society

Sale coming up on June 3rd!

some photos of possibilities . I inserted full sun, 5'x5' in the search . I love my Clethra alnifolia.

It is a myth that oak leaves make soil acidic, nor do they necessarily indicate acid soil.

Regarding Azaleas and acid soil, yes, they prefer it but many are fairly amenable and can cope with only a moderately low pH. I was asking to confirm whether things which need a definitely low pH would work.

I just had two azaleas give up after 35 years…part shade, part sun in zone 6b also…southeastern Massachusetts. My husband bought them at A& P for $3.00 each !

I had an azalea when I was a teen that lasted till oh...till I was about 25, for me that's a long lifespan. Of course, I'm where the eastern woodlands acidic soils start meeting the more alkaline prairie soils.
For me, they're fairly demanding in soils.