Louisiana Azaleas Infographic

Allen D. Owings, Ruffin, Tanya

Louisiana Azaleas

Azaleas are the major ornamental plants in Louisiana’s residential and commercial landscapes. They are available in a tremendous number of flower colors, growth habits and foliage characteristics. This infograph includes information on planting and maintenance, and pest control recommendations.

Things to Consider...

The most common azaleas grown in Louisiana landscapes are Indian azaleas.

Planting and Bed Preparation
Provide a loose, very well-drained soil. Most soil in Louisiana are clay based, so you should add something like pine bark. You should also raise the bed 4 to 6 inches.

Fertilization
Fertilize azaleas in late winter/early spring with an azalea-camellia fertilizer or a general use ornamental slow-release fertilizer.

Mulching, Watering and Pruning
Azaleas are a shallow-rooted plant and may need mulching to conserve soil moisture. It's best to water infrequently and deeply than to water frequently and shallowly. Pruning should be after flowering in early spring.

Disease and Insects
Watching insects and disease are necessary for beautiful azaleas.

To Improve the Performance of Azaleas

  • Select a partial-sun to partial-shade location. This area can have 4-6 hours of direct sun daily. Avoid late afternoon sun, especially in the summer months.
  • Choose a southern or eastern exposure over a northern or western one.
  • Have a soil test for the pH level-don't guess! We recommend a pH of 5.5
  • Plant azaleas in the fall if possible, followed by winter, spring and summer. Most azaleas are planted in the spring because shoppers can see the various colors, but fall remains the best time.
  • Plant so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly higher than the soil of the bed. Prune roots if needed.
  • Don't crowd plants when planting Crowded planting limits air circulation and can create conditions more favorable to disease development and azalea lace bug infestation. Know how much the plant will spread for the variety being planted and space them accordingly.
  • Fertilize with a slow-release formulation in the spring after blooming is completed.
  • Mulch with pine straw or similar material to a depth of 2 inches. Avoid placing mulch in piles around the lower stem of the plant.

Keep in Mind

Too much shade can result in skipped or significantly reduced bloom cycles.

3/27/2013 7:48:05 PM
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