Gardens

Summer Care for Azaleas

Aluminum Sulfate can help a common problem

sun.gif (3162 bytes)

During the summer after azaleas have bloomed and the weather is getting hotter, your azalea plants may begin showing symptoms of illness... symptoms you can and should give some attention.

The most common problem of azaleas during the late spring and early summer is chlorosis. Chlorosis causes the parts of the leaves between the vein to turn yellow while the veins stay dark green. Chlorosis is caused by too little iron and can be corrected by adding aluminum sulfate to the soil. You should apply the aluminum sulfate at the rate of about one-fourth to one half pound for every square yard of soil surface. Be careful not to put more than that at any one time, because the chemical could injure the plant. You should not apply aluminum sulfate more than every six weeks and it should be stopped when the chlorosis has cleared

There is also a temporary way to get rid of chlorosis. You can spray the leaves of your azaleas with a solution containing chelated iron. Follow the directions on the container.

Your azaleas need to get enough water during the summer. You should watch for wilting during the hot, dry weather. A good, thorough soaking of the soil around the roots once a week should be enough to keep your azaleas going. A mulch of pine needles or compost will help keep the moisture in the soil.

Gardens