Planting Azaleas in the Daffodil Border
Developing a new garden takes lots of planning, time, and patience.
Last spring, I decided to design a new garden along one side of the carriage road between my Summer House and my stable. I wanted to add colorful azaleas - a variety of unique specimens in shades of pink, orange, crimson and white. I already have many azaleas growing and flourishing in this area, but I wanted to expand the collection. First, we planted about 170 azaleas on one side to the carriage road, and then another 200 on the other side. This week, I added a collection of azaleas to the long daffodil border located on one side of my farm. Of all the shrubs that flower in spring, azaleas provide some of the most brilliant displays. I am so excited - this garden will look so beautiful.
Enjoy these photos and planting tips.
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- Over the weekend, I went to pick up 46 azaleas from the wholesale Summer Hill Nursery in Madison, Connecticut. Summer Hill specializes in broadleaf evergreens, especially rhododendrons and azaleas, flowering shrubs and trees, Japanese maples, and many rare and unusual varieties of native plants. Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the Ericaceae family, which includes blueberries and mountain laurel. They are also all rhododendrons and members of the genus Rhododendron.
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- Leaves of most azaleas are solid green, with a roughly long football-shape. The length of azalea leaves ranges from as little as a quarter-inch to more than six inches. Here, one can also see the new buds – these plants are all so healthy.
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- I also labeled markers for all the different azalea varieties. I used a Brother P-Touch to type the names – I think this will last longer than handwriting with a marker. Ryan places the appropriate markers into the pots, so it can be placed as soon as the azalea is planted.
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- The first step is to choose the locations for planting. Here, Ryan strategically places each specimen – keeping like colors together. When selecting a location for planting, be sure you know the mature size of the plants so they can be grouped accordingly in the landscape – tall plants in the background and short plants in the foreground. Plant height ranges from about three to six feet for most varieties, but rare plants can range from under one foot to well over 15-feet tall. It’s also important to keep azaleas where they can be protected from midday and winter sun to prevent leaves from drying out and burning.
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- Domi starts by digging the hole at least twice the size of the plant. Azaleas thrive in moist, well-drained soils high in organic matter.
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- The hole sides should be slanted and the hole should be no deeper than the root ball is tall, so it can be placed directly on undisturbed soil. Digging a wide planting hole helps to provide the best opportunity for roots to expand into its new growing environment.
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- Next, a generous handful of good fertilizer is sprinkled in the hole and in the surrounding soil.
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- For all of these plants, we’re using Roots fertilizer. Roots Healthy Start Advanced 3-4-3 is formulated especially for garden and flower beds, bulbs, potted plants, top dressing, and established and newly planted trees and shrubs. It includes beneficial rhizoshpere bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi to boost biological soil fertility.
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- Roots is made up of insoluble granular fertilizer that releases nutrients as it biodegrades. It is so important to feed the plants!
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- Next, Phurba uses a hori hori to scarify the roots of this specimen. A hori hori is a Japanese-inspired tool with a double-edged, rust-resistant blade that’s serrated on one side and sharpened on the other. It is great for cutting through tough roots. Scarifying stimulates root growth. Essentially, Phurba breaks up small portions of the root ball to loosen the roots a bit and create some beneficial injuries. This helps the plant become established more quickly in its new spot.
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- Next, the plant is placed into the hole and then checked to be sure it is at the right depth.
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- Phurba turns the azalea so its best side faces out. Always buy plants that are sturdy, well-branched, and free of insect damage or diseases. And, avoid plants with weak, spindling growth and poor root systems.
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- Next, Phurba backfills the hole.
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- He also makes sure the plant is straight before tamping down lightly to establish good contact between the soil and the plant root ball.
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- Phurba goes over the area with a soft rake, so the soil is neat and tidy around the plant – it has a lot of room to grow and spread. Some azaleas, including native types, can reach towering heights of 20 feet or more. Dwarf azaleas grow two to three feet tall, and many garden azaleas stay four to six feet in height with as wide a spread.
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- Phurba stops for a quick photo. This day was rainy and more rain was expected through the night, so all the newly planted azaleas got a good drink.
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- Finally, the marker was carefully placed at the base of the plant, facing out, so it can be seen clearly. And be sure to note the varieties planted. It is always a good idea to keep track of those varieties that do well in the garden.
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- Here is one all planted and marked. Azaleas have short root systems, so they can easily be transplanted in early spring or early fall.
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- Azaleas thrive in morning sun and afternoon shade. They also benefit greatly from a few inches of acidic mulch applied around the base to protect the roots and help conserve moisture.
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- I am so proud of this developing garden – I can’t wait until next spring when they’re all in bloom. The beautiful and colorful displays are sure to get better every year.
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