Red azaleas, part of the Rhododendron family, can range in color from deep crimson red to soft, pinkish-red colors. Since there are many varieties and shades of red, you can choose one that complements your landscape and grows in your climate, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones vary by species. There are several red varieties hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9b through 10a, such as the dark red "Wards Ruby" and brighter red "Christmas Cheer."
Choose a location that offers the red azaleas partial shade or filtered sun and avoid full shade or full sun. Select a location that offers well-drained, moist, acidic soil. The ideal pH is between 4.5 and 6. Amend the soil with peat moss or compost to provide the rich moist, soil and nutrients that the shallow-rooted azaleas need to thrive.
Dig a hole two times larger than the plant, but no deeper than the rootball. Make sure to wet the azalea's rootball thoroughly before planting. Mix some organic matter, such as compost or rotted leaves, into the hole. For sandy soil, place the plant about 1 inch above surrounding soil grade, and for clay soils 2 to 4 inches above. Then, slope the soil upward to meet the original grade.
Place a 2- to 5-inch layer of mulch around the plant's base and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Azaleas do not tolerate excessively wet or dry soils. You can use pine bark needles, leaf or pine bark chips for mulch.
Water plants in warm weather when rainfall amounts are less than 1 inch per week. To determine if plants need water, use your finger to feel the soil under the mulch; if the soil feels dry, the plant needs water
Feed established plants only when needed using a slow-release, granular acid-forming fertilizer. Scatter about 1 tablespoon of fertilizer around the root base. Signs of nutrient deficiency include smaller than normal foliage, yellow leaves and leaf drop.
Pinch spent blooms off the plant, as this is important to create bushy, thick plants and for shaping.
Protect the plants in winter. Place a layer of mulch around the root area to protect them from freezing and prevent root damage from alternating freezing and thawing temperatures. Wrap evergreen azalea varieties with burlap in areas that have severe winters.
Things You Will Need
- The University of Georgia Agricultural & Environmental Sciences: Selecting and Growing Azaleas
- The Old Farmers Almanac: Rhododendrons
- The United States National Arboretum
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Azalea Care
- Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel
- American Rhododendron Society: Description of Rhododendron "Ward's Ruby"
- American Rhododendron Society: Description of Rhododendron "Christmas Cheer or Ima-shojo"
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images