- 1). Plant azaleas in rich well draining soil that is in at least a partially shaded area. They like some sun, but need a break from the sun during the day.
- 2). Spread mulch around the base of your azaleas to trap moisture in the soil. This also keeps weeds from growing up, and slowly adds nutrients as the mulch breaks down. Alternately, use pine needles. Both will provide the soil with acid.
- 3). Trim dead or damaged branches in the spring with pruning snips. Cut out dead limbs completely, or remove them back to a living portion of the limb. Snip at an angle just above a notch or leaf.
- 4). Prune to shape the azalea after the flowering is done for the season. Snip back to your desired size. Make cuts just above a leaf to ensure the branch will keep growing.
- 5). Remove most blooms after they have died. Pinch them off with your fingers. Leave a few so that the azalea will produce seeds for future plants.
- 6). Water newly planted azaleas with 1 1/2 to 2 inches of water for the first few months until the roots establish. If it rains, reduce your watering.
- 7). Water your established azaleas only during dry times. If you are getting about 1 inch of rain a week, there is no need to provide more water.
- 8). Add compost or a sulfur fertilizer to the planting area if the leaves turn yellow; this is generally the result of low iron, which usually indicates that the soil isn't acidic enough. Follow package directions if using sulfur.
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