Can Azaleas survive in soil with a pH of around 6.5?

Question

I bought 4 Azaleas recently at a store that was closing (they were really on the cheap and I couldn't help myself). I know that they require acidic soil and prefer a pH of around 5.5, but can they survive in soil that has a pH of 6.0/6.5/7.0?

I mulched in a bunch of humus last year while preparing the garden bed that I am planting these in, and I've heard that this can help acidify the clay-heavy soil. It is currently around pH 6.5 or so. However, I'm not sure if the Azaleas can tolerate soil that is only slightly acidic.

I'd like to plant the Azaleas soon since it is fall. Will they be able to survive in the soil? Also, is there an effective way to lower acidity quickly? I know you can add Elemental Sulfur to the soil, but I don't know where to buy it or if it is worth applying.

The plants are Encore Azaleas, if this matters and are in fairly good health right now (in the containers).

Answer 1

While a pH of 5.5 is optimal it's difficult achieve it unless you live in a peat bog. At the Botanical Garden where I work, we have a large garden area that has a pH of 6.8-7+ and although our Rhododendrons/Azaleas do grow AND FLOWER, they tend to act as annuals and die out after a few years. We have researched the problems associated with the site and have found out the following: #1 The soil that was brought in is mainly comprised of clay and very little organic matter. #2 The irrigation system is creating a "wet feet" situation thus encouraging root rots like phytopthora , etc. #3 Our attempts to add organic matter i.e. leaf humus, compost, double-shredded mulch, have done very little to raise/alter the pH of the soil. The reason being, after a pH test of our various amendments, we realized the average pH of the products was around 6.8-7.0 - the same as our soil. Soooo... we have looked into purchasing mulches that can be (eventually) incorporated into the soil such as pine straw, pine nuggets, etc. These mulches have a lower pH (exact pH unknown) that should start to (changing soil pH quickly is very difficult to do -you're talking 2-3 years+) lower the pH of the soil as it breaks down. Despite its "Miracle" name, Miracid is in essence, only a quick fix to plants. Do you want to be buying Miracid every 3 months for the next 10 years? Probably not. We are using aluminum sulfate and iron sulfate to drop the soil pH. I think Espoma makes it, or I could be wrong on the name. It comes in those yellow bags (at your garden center). Just don't OD on the stuff.
So to sum up all my ramblings, I would recommend that you do the following:
1.) Dig your hole in the amended bed you mentioned
2.) Amend the soil with a humusy rich supplement but work a little bit of the virgin soil back into the mix
3.) Plant the plants (high if the soil is still high in clay)
4.) In the spring add an organic general/acid fertilizer (something with a ratio of around 5-3-4) with a little of the aforementioned aluminum/iron. Follow the directions on the bag and repeat as directed.
5.) Make sure they receive enough water, but DO NOT OVER WATER and waterlog the soil for long periods of time. Remember, ANY plant in the Ericaceae family as a general rule of thumb, do no like WET FEET! ..so plant them high if necessary. Good luck.
OH I just notice that you suggested elemental sulfur.. don't use it because its break down time is much slower than my recommended products...(according to a lab)

http://groups.myspace.com/HARDCOREHORTICULTURE

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can Azaleas survive in soil with a pH of around 6.5?
I bought 4 Azaleas recently at a store that was closing (they were really on the cheap and I couldn't help myself). I know that they require acidic soil and prefer a pH of around 5.5, but can they survive in soil that has a pH of 6.0/6.5/7.0?

I mulched in a bunch of humus last year while...

Answer 3

azaleas survive soil ph 65

Answer 4

If you have any pine trees around your house you can rake up the needles adn put them around your azaleas to acidify the soil. Also just so you know the plants may survive but they will not produce flowers, or the flowers will be really deformed and small. Try adding the pine needles, or some other acidic plant before mircle grow. your plants and your lawn will thank you for this.

Answer 5

They should be fine.

Mulch with coffee grounds or just a nice rich compost.

Use fertilizer for acid loving plants. Try adding some epsom salts when you water.

Sounds like you know what you'r edoing so Happy Gardening.

Answer 6

You can get sulfur at any pharmacy. Miracid (from the Miracle-Gro people) works very nicely on azaleas and rhododendrons.