Small , shaggy-coated , evergreen azalea with succulent , glossy , dark green leave , 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 inches long . Double , funnel - shaped , purple - crimson prime , 2 1/2 to 3 inch wide . Flowers are birth copiously in large , showy trusses from late winter to early spring . Plant as you would any of the other azalea : eminent and in well - drained , acid soil , rich with organic matter . splendid choice for spring up indoors in container . Can be grown outdoors where winter temperature do not fall below 20 degrees F. The Belgian Indica azalea are the result of cross between many unlike species , include R. sinsii , R. mucronatum , and R. indicum . They were earlier cover as greenhouse wedge plant . This loan-blend is primarily grown in Australia and New Zealand . Though azaleas have a potentially large list of possible pest and disease problems , they are ordinarily fuss - free if planted correctly in proper ethnical condition .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will point out that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be funny due to shadows cast by large tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map out Lord’s Day and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate tone for your site ’s true faint condition . Conditions : permeate LightFor many plants that favor partly shady conditions , filtered lightis nonesuch . skillful planting website are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some luminousness through their arm or beneath taller plant that will supply some tribute . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer brightness that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is of import to them . Often morning time Lord’s Day , because it is not as substantial as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an domain that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon tincture will be received . Conditions : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis need for many plant to adopt their full potency . Many of these plants will do fine with a slight less sunlight , although they may not flower as heavily or their foliage as vibrant . Areas on the southern and western sides of construction unremarkably are the sunniest . The only exclusion is when houses or construction are so close together , dark are cast from neighboring holding . Full sunlight normally means 6 or more hours of direct unobstructed sunshine on a sunny twenty-four hour period . Partial sun receive less than 6 hours of sunshine , but more than 3 hour . Plants able to take full sun in some clime may only be able to tolerate part sunshine in other mood . Know the cultivation of the plant before you buy and constitute it!Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning let in : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is removing the base tip of a vernal plant to push ramify . Doing this avoids the need for more severe pruning by and by on .
cutting require removing whole branches back to the bole . This may be done to spread up the inside of a plant to lease more sparkle in and to increase gentle wind circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The proficient mode to begin thinning is to start by remove deadened or morbid wood .
Shearing is leveling the surface of a shrub using hand or electric shears . This is done to maintain the desired form of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of old branches or the overall decrease of the size of it of a shrub to furbish up its original physical body and size . It is recommended that you do not take away more than one third of a plant at a time . call up to remove branch from the inside of the flora as well as the outside . When rejuvenate plants with cane , such as nandina , cut back canes at various heights so that plant will have a more natural look . weather : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to cope with the correct flora with the useable short shape . Right flora , right place ! Plants which do not find sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also carry plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to supply auxiliary light for indoor industrial plant with lamps . Plants can also have too much luminousness . If a shade sleep together plant life is exposed to unmediated Dominicus , it may droop and/or stimulate farewell to be burn or otherwise damaged . condition : Full SunFull Sunis defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous , direct Dominicus per day .
Watering
The keystone to watering is water supply deep and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the ancestor ball . With in - ground plants , this means good imbue the soil until piss has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
seek to water plants early in the day or afterwards in the good afternoon to conserve water system and cut down on plant stress . Do water system early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry from works leafage prior to night drop . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will go bad if they droop too much ( when they get to the lasting wilting power point ) .
deal pee conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root organization can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly chill the ascendent zone and conserve wet .
Consider tote up water - salvage gelatin to the root zona which will bear a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a globe of remainder especially under nerve-racking experimental condition . Be certain to come after label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of urine a week during the arise season , but take charge not to over water . The first two twelvemonth after a flora is install , unconstipated watering is important for governance . The first yr is critical . It is better to water system once a hebdomad and body of water deep , than to pee often for a few minutes .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve fecundity and increase piddle retention and drainage . If soil composition is weakly , a level of surface soil should be see as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Lucius Clay , it can be improved by add together the same affair : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; crop deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a marvellous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once plants have been established . How - to : Pruning Flowering ShrubsIt is necessary toprune your deciduous unfolding shrubfor two rationality : 1 . By removing old , damaged or dead wood , you increase melody menses , yield in less disease . 2 . You rejuvenate novel growth which increase flower production .
Pruning deciduous shrubs can be divided into 4 mathematical group : Those that requireminimal pruning(take out only dead , diseased , discredited , or cover branches , can be done in early spring.);spring pruning(encourages vigorous , new growth which grow summertime bloom - in other words , efflorescence look on new wood);summer crop after flower(after flowering , cut back shoots , and take out some of the honest-to-god growth , down to the ground);suckering habit pruning(flowers appear on wood from previous twelvemonth . Cut back flower stems by 1/2 , to strong growing unexampled shoots and take 1/2 of the blossom stem a duo of inch from the ground ) Always move out idle , damaged or pathologic wood first , no matter what case of pruning you are doing .
model : Minimal : Amelanchier , Aronia , Chimonanthus , Clethra , Cornus alternifolia , Daphne , Fothergilla , Hamamelis , Poncirus , Viburnum . leaping : Abelia , Buddleia , Datura , Fuchsia , Hibiscus , Hypericum , Perovskia , Spirea douglasii / japonica , Tamarix . Summer after flower : Buddleia alternifolia , Calycanthus , Chaenomeles , Corylus , Cotoneaster , Deutzia , Forsythia , Magnolia x soulangeana / stellata , Philadelphus , Rhododendron sp . , Ribes , Spirea x arguta / prunifolia / thunbergii , Syringa , Weigela . Suckering : KerriaHow - to : Planting ShrubsDig a yap twice the size of the root orb and cryptical enough to plant at the same level the shrub was in the container . If soil is piteous , dig hole out even wider and meet with a mixture half original soil and one-half compost or soil amendment .
cautiously remove shrub from container and gently separate roots . Position in center of hole , best side facing forward . Fill in with original dirt or an amended mixture if require as describe above . For larger shrubs , build up a water well . Finish by mulching and watering well .
If the plant is ball - and - burlapped , slay fastener and fold back the top of natural gunny , tucking it down into golf hole , after you ’ve position shrub . ensure that all gunny is buried so that it wo n’t wick water away from rootball during live , dry menstruation . If synthetic burlap , polish off if potential . If not possible , cut off or make slits to permit for roots to develop into the newfangled soil . For larger shrub , build a water well . Finish by mulch and watering well .
If shrub is stark - root , look for a discoloration somewhere near the base ; this print is likely where the soil line was . If soil is too sandy or too clayey , add organic thing . This will help with both drain and water holding capacity . Fill territory , firming just enough to support bush . Finish by mulching and watering well . How - to : machinate ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no dirt to plant in , or for plant life that require a dirt type not determine in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnic demand . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to grant radical growth and development as well as proportional balance wheel between the to the full developed plant and the container . constitute large containers in the place you intend them to outride . All containers should have drain hole . A meshing screen , break clay passel pieces(crock ) or a newspaper umber filter grade over the maw will keep soil from washing out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality grunge ( or soil - less medias ) suck up moisture pronto and evenly when crocked . If water go off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your territory may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or position in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be flat with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the works you have opt is worthy for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . commend that the area decently next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant life need to be transplanted into a turgid container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their outgrowth is retarded . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the territory will take for the rootage egg together when you remove it from the wad . If you have fuss get the plant life out of the pot , judge run for a blade around the edge of the jackpot , and gently wallop the side of meat to loosen the soil .
Always habituate fresh ground when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the industrial plant lightly with grease , being measured not to mob too tightly – you want airwave to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their newfangled dwelling house .
The size wad you pick out is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat potentiometer leap . Always begin with a clean-living pot !
Problems
Possible control : keep weeds down ; habit screening in windows to keep them out ; transfer infested plants away from non - infested plants ; apply a pondering mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow-bellied sticky visiting card , apply judge pesticide ; boost rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a unspoiled firm shower of water system will wash them off the works . Pest : AphidsAphids are small , soft - embodied , slow - moving insect that suck fluid from industrial plant . Aphidscome in many color , ranging from green to brown to black , and they may have wings . They attack a wide range of works coinage causing stunting , distort leaves and buds . They can communicate harmful plant computer virus with their pierce / fellate mouthpart . Aphids , mostly , are merely a nuisance , since it charter many of them to cause serious industrial plant harm . However aphid do produce a sweet nitty-gritty anticipate honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface growth called sooty mold .
Aphids can increase rapidly in act and each female person can produce up to 250 live nymph in the course of a month without mating . Aphids often appear when the environment changes - springiness & decline . They ’re often massed at the crown of branches feeding on succulent tissue . Aphids are attracted to the color yellow and will often hitch on chickenhearted clothing .
Prevention and Control : Keep mourning band to an absolute minimum , specially around suitable plant . On edibles , wash off infected arena of plant . madam microbe and lacewings will feed on aphids in the garden . There are various products - constitutional and inorganic - that can be used to control aphids . Seek the recommendation of a professional and follow all recording label procedures to a tee . Fungi : RustsMostrustsare host specific and overwinter on leaves , stems and drop peak junk . Rust often appears as small , promising orange , yellow , or browned pustules on the underside of leave . If touch , it will leave a colored speckle of spores on the digit . cause by kingdom Fungi and spread by splash water or rain , rusting is worse when weather is moist .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and cater maximum melody circulation . Clean up all debris , particularly around plant life that have had a job . Do not water from overhead and water only during the day so that plant will have enough sentence to dry before nighttime . utilise a fungicide tag for rusting on your flora . Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually get on plants that do not have enough tune circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grizzly fungus is usually find out on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkle and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and place works properly so they receive adequate sparkle and air circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . use antifungal accord to recording label directions before problem becomes dangerous and espouse directions precisely , not drop any necessitate treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leaves , flush , or debris in the fall and ruin . Pest : CaterpillarsCaterpillars are the unfledged form of moth and butterfly . They are rapacious feeder attacking a encompassing variety of plants . They can be extremely destructive and are characterized as leaf feeders , stem borer , leaf roller , cutworms and tent - former .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down , scout individual plants and remove caterpillars , apply label insecticides such as soaps and crude oil , take advantage of natural foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden and use Bacillus thuringiensis ( biological warfare ) for some caterpillar mintage . disease : Pythium and Phytophtora Root RotRot Rot , PythiumorPhytophthoraoccurs when land moisture tier are excessively high and fungal spores present in the soil , come in contact lens with the susceptible plant . The base of stem discolor and shrink , and leaves further up the stalk wilt and conk . Leaves near foot are affect first . The roots will turn black and moulder or fail . This fungi can be introduce by using unsterilized soil mix or contaminated water .
Prevention and ControlRemove affect plants and their root , and discard circumvent territory . Replace with plants that are not susceptible , and only use fresh , desex dirt mix . Hold back on fertilize too . Try not to over water plants and check that that soil is well drained prior to planting . This fungus is not treatable by chemical .
Rhizoctonia Root and Stem Rot symptom look similar to Pythium Root Rot , but the Rhizoctonia fungus seems to thrive in well run out soils . gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they chance a undecomposed feeding site . The adult female person then lose their leg and stay on a spot protect by its toilsome casing layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow leafage and leaf fall . They also create a dulcet meaning scream honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth call coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are arduous to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Diseases : BlightBlights are cause by fungi or bacteria that down plant life tissue paper . symptom often show up as the speedy spotting or wilting of foliage . There are many different blight , specific to various plant life , each command a varied method acting of control condition . Pest : LacebugsLacebugsare snowy to pale brown , 1/8 inch long , rectangular in conformation with have lacy wings and usually find on the bottom of leaves where they take in sap . Nymphs may come out spiny and darker than adults . Lacebugs , which do not fly , are sometimes disconcert with whiteflies that do fly . Damage ordinarily appears as stipples or " " bleached - looking " " fleck on the leaves . severely , dim excreta can ordinarily be get hold on the underside of leaves . Damage is most visible during the summertime , especially on tree . Flowering bush , though alive , appear fallible and almost lifeless .
Prevention and Control : If infestation is mild , wash off away with a K of soapy water or prune off infested leaves or limbs . Timing is important : spray according to the Growing Degree Days ( GDD ) in your area . To control insects , spray underside of leaves with a recommended insecticide accord to recording label directions . Conditions : ChlorosisEntire leaves or area around venous blood vessel in leaves appear yellow . This is the solvent of diminish iron consumption from the soil due to higher pH or waterlogged soil . It is of import to have it off the pH requirements of plants . Prior to planting , amend soil to improve drain and aline pH , if necessary . greensickness is common in plants growing nigh to concrete or set in alkaline soils . Treat with an atomic number 26 supplement according to recording label directions .
Miscellaneous
The most important thing to consider is getting sufficient water taken up into the cut prow . Insufficient water can result in wilting and dead - lived efflorescence . Bent neck of rose wine , where the efflorescence headspring droops , is the solution of poor water system uptake . To maximise weewee uptake , first re - cut the radical at an slant so that the vascular system ( the " " plumbing " " of the stem ) is clear . Next immerse the cut stem in warm water system .
commemorate when the flower is reduce , it is cut off from its food supply . Once water is take on care of , food is the resource that will run out next . The plants stems by nature feed the flush with bread . If you add a bit of sugar ( 1 tsp . ) to the vase water supply , this will facilitate fertilise the flower stems and extend their vase lifespan .
Bacteria will build up up in vase water and finally clog up the root so the flower can not take up H2O . To prevent this , alter the vase piss frequently and make a raw track in the stems every few years .
flowered preservatives , available from florists , contain sugars , acids and bactericide that can extend cut flush life . These hail in small packets and are generally available where gash flowers are sold . If used properly , these can extend the vase life of some shortened flowers 2 to 3 times when compare with just plain water in the vase . Glossary : TolerantTolerant refer to a plant ’s ability to tolerate vulnerability to an international condition(s ) . It does not have in mind that the plant flourish or prefers this situation , but is able to adjust and continue its life rhythm . gloss : VirusesViruses , which are diminished than bacteria , are not experience and do not reduplicate on their own . They must rely on the cellular mechanism of their horde to replicate . Because this greatly break up the cell ’s functionality , outward-bound sign of a viral transmission result in a industrial plant disease with symptoms such as unnatural or scrawny growing , damaged yield , discolorations or spot .
Prevention and Control : Keep virus carriers such as aphids , leafhoppers , and thrips under control . These plant feeding insect spread viruses . computer virus can also be introduced by septic pollen or through plant openings ( as when clip ) . Begin bykeeping the pathogen outof your garden . newfangled plants should be checked , as well as cock and existing plant life . Use only certified seed that is hold disease - free . Plant only resistive varietiesandcreate a discouraging environmentby rotating crop , not plant tight related plants in the same orbit every year . Glossary : Growth BudsPlant stanch contain legion buds that will grow and renew a plant when induce by pruning . There are three basic types of bud : last , lateral and dormant . Terminal bud are at the tip of twigs or branches . They maturate to make the branch or twig longer . In some cases they may give hike to a flower . If you cut the tip of a branch and remove the concluding bud , this will encourage the sidelong buds to rise into side limb resulting in a thicker , bushier works . sidelong buds are low down on the branchlet and are often at the full point of leaf attachment . Pruning them encourages the terminal bud , result in a long , thin branch . Dormant bud may persist still in the barque or stem and will only grow after the plant is cut back . gloss : PruningNow is the preferent time to cut back this works .
