An Azalea prefers acid sandy soil, rich in humus and pleasantly moist. If this soil mixture is not present, you can create it by mixing peat, compost and potting soil into the existing soil. Planting is not recommended during periods of frost or in high summer. It is best to plant Azaleas in September/October or in March/April when they can be well watered.
Azaleas are available in many sizes. Depending on the size of the Azalea chosen, it would be wise to not plant other plants too close to it. Until the Azalea has reached its full height, you can temporarily fill the open space with other plants. The desired position can vary per variety; take light, wind and the mature size of the plant into account. In general, a protected and slightly shaded to shady spot is preferable. Given this, it is important to take any neighbouring plants into account. As Azalea japonica species do not appreciate harsh winds, it could be a good choice to plant them near a fence or conifers. As the roots of Azaleas are, on average, only 40 cm deep. shallow rooted plants nearby could present a problem. For this reason it is better to avoid this situation.
Each variety has its own desired climate. Take this into account when you make your purchase. For colder countries, select the hardier types and plant them in a protected area. For warmer countries, select those varieties that can adequately cope with heat. This should be stated on the label.
