Ask the Expert: A friend gave me two azalea plants but I do not know where to plant them or how to take care of them in the Florida sunshine.  Help! Jan

Reply:

In Florida, azaleas prefer a little shade from hot afternoon sun and can do well in dappled shade areas.  Keep in mind deep shade even in Florda will cause the azaleas to become thin.  Choose an area that contains moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic in ph.  You can create this type of soil by tilling humus into your existing soil and using an acidic fetilizer like miracid to correct any ph problems.  Plant your azalea shallow.  A good rule of thumb is to have the top of the root ball 1" to 2" above the soil line.  I also recommend muching your azleas.  Keep your area moist but not soogy during the growing season and a little drier during the dormant season.  Fetlizer your azaleas with a slow realease azlea fertilzer during the growing season.  I personally like to fertilze with Fertilome's azalea food with systemic insecidie.  It serves two purposes – nutritional content and insect protection.   Check with your local nursery & garden center for a similar product.  Good luck and keep me posted.

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