Plant Care for your Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Camellias

Site and soil
Soil pH (Acidity of soil) should ideally be around pH 4.5 - 6 test kits can be purchased from all good garden centres

Soil preparation
Rhododendrons need an open soil. Should such soil not be available, it can be made up by adding plenty of organic matter, in the form of leaf mould is best. Alternatively a special ericaceous can be purchased from your local garden center.If drainage is good then soil can be prepared down to a depth of 12" (30cm).

Clay soil
If you find yourself with a heavy clay soil, Azaleas and Rhododendrons can be grown on raised beds using the above compost.

Depth of planting
Rhododendrons and Azaleas should be planted just below  the surface and no more, otherwise they will struggle to survive. 

Planting
Make sure the plant is well watered before planting. Container stock can be planted at any time, but must be well watered in the first growing season to establish root growth. The best site  for Azaleas and Rhododendrons, is not under the direct shade of trees, or hedges, as this will compete for moisture and light, and affect how well the plants sets bud.

After care
Ensure the soil is kept moist in dry conditions. This can be helped with a good layer of mulch around the roots in the form of coarse bark, or composted leaves. Annual feeding with a well balanced ericaceous feed will keep the plant healthy.

Dead Heading
The larger leafed  Rhododendrons will benefit from removing the dead flower heads, as this will ensure more flower buds the following year. This is more important when the plants are young, but not so with older bigger plants. Azaleas and Camellias do not really require dead heading.