My azaleas have bloomed out- now what?
When the azaleas and rhodies have bloomed out, it is time to deadhead, prune, and fertilize. Dead heading azaleas and rhodies is nothing more than removing what few blooms that have died out, but are still hanging on to the stem. Removing helps to allow for new growth sooner and keeps down possibilities of disease. Also clean out the fallen blooms from beneath. The collection underneath is "hot bed" for incubating all kinds of bad stuff!
Selectively prune back lanky limbs and stems. This will give the plant better shape (if done carefully) and promotes more branching for a fuller appearance for your plants.
It is a good time to fertilize now that the azaleas and rhodies have bloomed. I made the mistake of fertilizing before they bloomed once long ago. I learned my lesson not to fertilize before they bloom because they won't!
I have a technique for fertilizing my azaleas. After cleaning out below, I will use a small cultivator fork to losen the soil about an inch deep. Depending on the size of the plant, I'll sprinkle a handful or two of a balanced 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 slow release fertilizer. Then I'll work in (mix) the ferilizer into the soil. This helps the "food" get to the root system sooner and doesn't get washed away after watering. By the way, it is good to water after feeding.
Til next time,
Poppy
P.S. Now is a good time to deadhead any other plants. For mums, pinch off the last inch or so of the branches until July to assure bushy, well-flowering plants. While you're at it, cut back asters and other tall, floppy, late-summer bloomers by about one-third once they're a foot or so high. They'll be sturdier and flower better.
It's so hard for me to prune things! Since I grow mostly veggies and fruit, every time I prune I have to cut off something that is producing. It makes me so sad! :(
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I had to thin out my butter beans and peas today in my vegie garden. It is difficult to pull out a perfectly good plant and toss it aside! I just have to keep reminding myself that it is best for better production of produce.
ReplyDeleteThe azeleas are such a beautiful plant. I can always relax and feel at home enjoying the blooms. Last weekend we deadheaded most of the flowering shrubs. Its a sad and happy moment rolled into one. The wonderful thing though, in our location at least, is that typically we will get a double blooming time close to fall. Looking forwar to your next post.
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