Azaleas and Rhododendrons are shrubs for all seasons. In the winter, some stand out with enormous evergreen leaves. In the spring and summer, the flowers on the shrub are vibrantly colored, while in the fall the leaves turn a deep green and enhance the look of your garden.

The ideal location for Azaleas and Rhododendrons to grow are in fairly mild and humid conditions where they can receive filtered sun in the morning and rest in the shade in the afternoon. A site sloping to the north or east is usually the best location for them to grow and they should be planted in a spot where they are protected from the elements, especially wind.

Preparing the soil bed
Drainage:
Azaleas and Rhododendrons need to be planted in soil that is prepared carefully and efficiently. Due to the frail roots of the azaleas and rhododendrons, drainage is important. In order to drain, dig a hole six inches deep in the bed and fill it with water. If the water does not drain from the hole within four hours, establish drainage tile to sweep away excess water or else build-raised beds.

Starting the bed:
It is more beneficial to plant azaleas and rhododendrons in groups rather then individually. Do not place the bed too close to shallow-rooted trees such as elm or maple.

Soil Acidity:
A pH level of 5.0 and 5.5 are the most suitable for the shrubs. If you want to make your soil more acidic, simply apply agricultural sulfur or iron sulfate to the soil

Mixing the soil:
An adequate amount of organic matter is necessary for the growth of the shrubs. When using a clay soil base, combine with 50 percent peatmoss, leaf mold or oak leaves, 25 percent sand and 25 percent topsoil. When using a native soil, combine 50 percent soil and 50 percent organic material. Before adding the soil, dig out any heavy tight subsoil and save the topsoil. Combine the topsoil, sand, organic material and sulfur, mix thoroughly and put back into the bed. Fill the bed area four to six inches higher than the surrounding soil to allow for settling. The bed should be prepared many weeks before the plants are to be set out.

Planting:
Dig a hole in the prepared bed a bit larger but no deeper than the ball or container, setting the ball so it is two inches higher than the surrounding soil. Planting the shrubs shallow is better than too deep. Once the shrubs have been planted, soak the area well. Mulching the area helps to retain the water into soil, course materials such as partly decomposed oak leaves or pine needles. In the winter months, pile the mulch higher to help prevent leaf scorch or bark splitting on the branches.

Fertilizing:
A light treatment of fertilizer should be applied before the mulch is applied, using no more than two pounds per 100 square feet.