🌺 Azalea: Growing Guide
Azalea (Rhododendron (azalea)) grows best in partial shade with regular watering, and does well at −20 to 25 °C (−4 to 77 °F) in soil with a pH of 4.5–6.0. Space plants about 100 cm (39 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Rhododendron (azalea) |
|---|---|
| Category | Ornamentals |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Watering | Regular |
| Plant spacing | 100 cm (39 in) |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −20 to 25 °C (−4 to 77 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 50–250 cm (20–98 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | |||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Watering
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Steady moisture, acidic soil.
Growing tips
Deciduous vs evergreen. Japonica, Indica and Exbury. Amazing colors.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Azalea: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jun. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Azalea: how often should I water it?
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Steady moisture, acidic soil.
Azalea: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 100 cm (39 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Azalea: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Azalea: which plants grow well with it?
Heather, Rhododendron.
Azalea: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Lace bug, Petal blight.
Plan your garden
Add Azalea to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
Open the free planner →