How to Plant Azaleas in the Spring

The azalea is a flowering shrub that adds vibrant color to the garden. It is a poisonous plant, and may not be suitable for landscaping playgrounds or near curious pets. Azaleas get between three to six feet high, with some varieties growing larger. They require little if any pruning. Azaleas prefer moist, acid soils, with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0. Before planting, enrich the soil with peat moss or leaf mold. Plant azaleas in the full sun, or lightly shaded areas, especially when planting in hot climates.

• 1

  Test the soil at the planting site for the pH level and adjust the pH levels accordingly. You can do this by picking up a test kit at your gardening center, and following the instructions on the test kit, or by taking samples of the soil to a gardening center for testing.

• 2

  Remove the azalea from its container. If the soil is dry, the container should pull off.

• 3

  Dig a hole as deep as the plant's root ball, and as wide as the shrub's leaf span.

• 4

  Set the plant in the hole, keeping the root ball slightly higher than ground level.

• 5

  Backfill the hole with the soil you removed, and water to remove any air pockets. Do not fertilize a newly planted azalea. After planting, the root ball should remain slightly higher than ground level.

• 6

  Shape a soil reservoir well around the shrub to keep in the irrigation water. Make the walls of the ring about 3 inches high and 2 feet from the plant's main stem.

• 7

  Cover the well area with 2 to 3 inches of organic much, without touching the plant's main stem with mulch.