AFTER PLANTING - Water every 7-10 days, keeping the soil moist but not wet.  Place the water hose at the base of the plant an allow the water to run slowly on the plant, 6 minutes every foot of plant height.  For example a 2 foot tall plant would be watered for at least 12 minutes.

PRUNING - Pruning is not required unless you wish to shape the plant.  If so the prune the plant within 30 days after blooming.  Pruning later will remove new flower buds that have formed for next year.

BLOOM TIME - Most azaleas and rhododendrons bloom for a period of2-4 weeks.  In southern Illinois this bloom time usually occurs around Mother's day.  The "Encore" series of azaleas will usually bloom in the spring and again in the fall.

FERTILIZING - Use Fertilome Root Stimulator at the time of planting and the two more times at two week intervals.  Fertilize with Fertilome Azalea Food just after blooming and again in 30 days, or use cottonseed meal organic fertilizer at a rate of one pound per foot of plant height.  Never fertilize after July otherwise a late flush of growth might be damaged by winter freezing.  Do not work the fertilizer into the soil.  Apply fertilizer to the top of the ground and avoid damaging the shallow roots of these plants.

Most species of azaleas and rhododendrons grow naturally in the foothills and mountainous areas of the world.  In order to create a similar environment a few requirements are;

1. A loose organic soil:

    50% good topsoil

    50% organic material ( ½ should be peat moss, the other ½ mushroom compost)

2. Acid soil (pH 4.5-6.0).  Add cottonseed meal or ammonium sulphate to create a lower pH.

3. Protection from winter sun and wind.  Plant on north or east side of house or where other plants will protect them from winter sun

4. Cool moist soil (well drained).  This is where mulching is important.  Mulch with pine needles, oak leaves, or shredded bark.  Mulch 2-3 inches deep.  Never use plastic.