Find Your Dear Plant Expert:
I live in central Missouri. I never have any luck with Azaleas. so where is the best place to plant them? I just bought 3 new plants and need to know where is the best place to plant them.
Jean
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Plant Expert Reply:
Jean,
In your area, azaleas will be tricky. You will first need to make sure that the azaleas you choose can tolerate a hardness zone of 5. You’ll want to check with your local nursery and garden center, since they will only carry azaleas hardy enough for your area. Large box stores may not pay attention to the special needs your area requires.
Once you have an azalea that is hardy in your zone, planting it correctly is crucial.
Plant your azaleas in an area that drains well, is protected from extreme weather conditions and receives a minimum of 5 hours of sun a day. Depending on your soil type, you may need to add humus to the soil when you plant it. Be sure to blend/incorporate the humus into your existing soil. Since azaleas like a more acidic soil, you may also need to add a little aluminum sulfate to the soil at planting time.
I also recommend fertilizing the azaleas from April through August. I use a fertilizer with a systemic insecticide. Your local garden center should carry this product.
I hope this information is helpful! Please let me know if I can help with anything else.
Jamie Jamison Adams
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