what wrong with my azalea?

Question

Have a second year Azelea,it grew but only green,I fertilized it in the spring? But it produced no Flowers,what can I do?

Answer 1

The plant may not be mature enough to bloom yet. Sometimes they bloom in garden centers because they treat them with artificial hormones so the customer can see the flowers and then when you plant it it doesn't bloom for a few years.

If it is mature enough to bloom check the soil pH. You can get soil pH test kits at most lawn and garden centers. They like an acid soil--about 5. If it's above 5 put some soil sulfur around it to acidify the soil. And when you fertilize it use an acid fertilizer like Miracid (if you like liquid) or HollyTone if you like granular. Never fertilize more often than the directions say to.

If none of this works, next year try an application of Superphosphate in the spring or fall.

Answer 2

Some azalea varieties are normally covered with blooms, and some are normally "shy bloomers". Next year's flower buds begin to form within a few months after the plant blooms. If an azalea used to bloom well, and doesn't now, it may be due to one or more of a number of reasons:
pruning after the buds form, which removes the buds for next year
on some varieties,

the buds are less cold-hardy than the plant, and may freeze, turn brown and not open

lack of moisture during the late spring and summer reduces bud formation - mulch helps retain moisture and also keeps the soil cool
less than 3 hours of sun reduces the number of buds

a phosphorus deficiency, characterized by dull, dark green foliage with reddening underneath, reduces the number of buds

poor plant nutrition reduces the number of buds

Answer 3

You probably fertilized it a little *too* well; if it has excess nitrogen, it will mostly produce leaves, rather than blossoms. Also, if it's close to a lawn, your lawn fertilizer probably added more nitrogen to the soil. Fertilize it in the future with a mix having a high middle number; also be sure to feed it with a fertilizer like Mir-acid that is specially designed for acid-loving plants.

Answer 4

I fertilize twice a year. The second time in mid to late Sept. in N.Fla. One year I trimed before they bloomed and the following year had what you described. Also, we have had a very dry year which also has an impact. Fertilizer for Azal. and Rhod. are shown on the package along with directions for the correct amont to use. Easy to follow.

Answer 5

buy a special fertilizer designes especially for rhododendrons and azaleas...or you might have a root compaction problem