Choose your site, then dig inWhat you're looking for is a site that offers some shade — under trees, or along the north side of your house are good spots. Dig a hole that's twice as wide as your azalea's root ball. It should be deep enough so that the base of the shrub will be even with the ground.
Put Your Plant in PlaceTap the sides of your azalea's container, then gently pull out your plant. Place it in the middle of the hole, and fill in the gap with compost or a product such as Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs. You don't want to stomp on the soil, since your shrub's surface roots need air.
Water, Feed, and MulchOnce it's in place, water your azalea thoroughly at the base. Give it a good start in its new home with some plant food, such as Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food. Lay down a good layer of mulch to help your new plant retain moisture and stay free of weeds. Then visit your plant often to admire its beautiful flowers.
Azaleas are sensitive to water stress. Every spring, put some mulch around the plant, being careful to leave the trunk clear. Since your azalea loves acidic soil, place some pine needles around the base. Top that off with a sprinkle of a slow-release plant food, and you're all set for another beautiful season.
