Azalea

Description

The splendid flowers of azaleas open before the small oval leaves, of a beautiful dark green, appear on the shrubs. This feature makes it easy to distinguish azaleas from rhododendrons (the genus to which they belong), which, on the other hand, have evergreen leaves.

Cultivation

Azaleas are outdoor plants which, in the cooler areas of our country, like full sun, while they prefer partial shade where it is warmer; indoors they want plenty of light and a temperature of around 16°. To keep azaleas healthy, remember that the frequent waterings (even morning and evening) must be done with rainwater or demineralised water. The soil must be acid, made up of heather soil and peat. Once flowering is over, watering should be reduced and the plants placed somewhere cool but not cold. In spring it is advisable to take the pots outdoors and place them in partial shade. Regular monthly feeding, suspended only during the short rest period that follows flowering, will give the plants the nourishment they need. Every three months they can also be watered with iron sulphate, an element that revives the green of the leaves and intensifies the colour of the flowers.

Propagation

Propagating azaleas is complex and not easily done at home.