What are some tips for caring for azaleas?

Azaleas are acid-loving plants; place them in soil that has a pH that ranges between 4.5 and 6.0. They prefer well-drained soil, but if the soil does not drain well, plant them higher than the root ball and make sure they are well-mulched.

Apply organic mulch 2 to 3 inches deep, but make sure it does not touch the azalea's trunk. Since azaleas have shallow roots, they need to be watered during dry spells. As watering them from overhead encourages rot, soaker hoses are ideal for azaleas. Azaleas do not need much fertilizing, and they usually do well with soil that's been amended by compost before they are planted.