planting Azalia bushes?

Question

I purchased 3 Azalia bushes for the back of my house. (west side) How far from the house should I plant them, and how far apart? They would really look pretty strange planted too far from the house, but I don`t want to dig them up and replant them in another year or so either. What could I plant in back of them that would look good, is tall, and not interfere with the bushes. Should I put all three together? I am starting with a clean slate, so any other planting Ideas for the back of my house? Chicagoland area Thanks much

Answer 1

Azaleas planted about 3 feet apart and 3 feet out from the foundation of the house should be good. You can always put garden decoration behind and in between them, like a Gazing ball on a tall pedestal, an Obelisk, a trellis with annual vines, Sundial,Birdhouse mounted on an old porch post.....Just so you wont have to dig anything up in a couple of years when they grow up and fill the area in..... Just move the decorations to a new area that needs help......Good luck and happy gardening!
P.S... I have azaleas in full southern exposure sun with (believe it or not) Hosta in between them and they do great...Loaded with blooms every spring and they grow like weeds.... so, west (afternoon sun) should be no problem

Answer 2

There are two basic sizes of azaleas, and there are evergreen and native decideous. Either way, they're best as under-canopy (under trees like pines, or other taller trees) with some shade. They have very shallow root systems and require water during periods of drought, so the west or southern side of the house might not be best, depending on the amount of shade you get (or don't get).

If the leaves are larger than an inch, they'll probably grow to very large shrubs. And they should NOT be hedged, so careful pruning is required to control their size, if you need to. Otherwise, they'll probably stay pretty small. I like azaleas mixed with conifers like pines, spruces, etc. If you do have shade, mix them with hydrangeas, or some other summer-blooming plant for a staggered blooming season. Try mixing in some daylilies if it's not so shady, and keep them watered.

Answer 3

First rule for azalea bushes is never to plant them on the west or south sides of a house.

If your house is a light color, I definitely wouldn't plant them on the west side, even in the northern parts of the country. Azalea bushes typically will not grow well on the south or west side of a house because they get too much of the hot sun. They are best on the east and north sides of the house.

If your house is white or light beige, it will reflect most of the heat back onto the bushes and will roast them.

Answer 4

If you by (frequently or infrequently) various gardening and landscaping magazines why don’t you just acquire a comprehensive one from right here https://tr.im/TWcWN a genuinely good resource with a tons of specifics and top quality guides , without a doubt it’s excellent worth.
Ideas4Landscaping have comprehensive diagrams and effortless to comply with directions if you don’t know where to start off , a plan that is also coming with different themes and bonus resources like the “Landscaping Secrets Revealed manual , Save On Energy Costs – Green Home manual or How To Grow Organic Vegetables - without a doubt a full plan for the ones that want to learn landscaping or just to make the backyard or front yard more fascinating.

Answer 5

Plant them so that the root ball is at least 1.5' from the foundation, then as for a plant that would be tall for behind it, i would say an upright yew or something, they'll handle any conditions, a no fuss plant. Plus it will add winter evergreen interest.

Answer 6

Azaleas will grow into large shrubs, plant them well away from your house 2+'

Epsom salt = good acid fertilizer

Answer 7

at least 3 feet and 18 inches this will keep it off the drip line ,depending on the type do not place all together a half circle will work

Answer 8

Check out this link:

http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/factsheets2/shrubs/mar92pr3.html