Spring has finally arrived! One of Mother Natures gifts that heralds the arrival of spring is the blooming shrubs of the Rhododendron Family commonly known as Azaleas. With their bounty of blossoms at this time of year they are hard to miss. They can be seen all around Bastrop County as we are blessed, for the most part, with the ideal growing conditions that the Azaleas need. Smithville is especially beautiful this time of year. All those shrubby looking plants that are covered with blooms right now are prime examples of the splash of color that Azaleas can lend to your spring landscape.

While some deciduous azaleas are native to the southeastern U.S., Buddhist monks are recognized as the first cultivators of azaleas in different parts of Asia. In the early 1800's the first 'Indian azaleas' found their way to Japan. By boat, they soon arrived in England. The first southern hybrid azaleas were planted in Charleston, South Carolina in 1848. Linnaeus, an early botanist, believed rhododendrons and azaleas to be different species. He reasoned that because rhododendron's flowers have ten stamens and the azaleas flowers have five stamens, they must be classified as different species. Another difference is the rhododendron's large, leathery, evergreen leaves. Azaleas have smaller, thinner leaves. Also, some azaleas are deciduous as well as evergreen. Today, all azaleas are recognized as being rhododendrons. And there are a few to chose from.

The rhododendron group includes 800 species with 10,000 named varieties. Around 2000 varieties are currently cultivated. Botanists have divided these species into series and sub-series. One of the series is azaleas. The series of azaleas is further subdivided into many groups. It is in these groups that we find the azaleas that will do well in our area. And they are many!

Azaleas come in both evergreen and deciduous (loose their leaves in the winter) forms. Plant size varies within a group. The deciduous varieties tend to be less concerned about soils and watering than the evergreen varieties. Almost all of the evergreen azaleas that are now cultivated are hybrids of earlier pure forms. Many of the deciduous varieties are still true to their original form and are increasingly popular. Bloom periods are referred to as early, mid-season, and late bloomers. One of the most widely planted groups of evergreen azaleas is the Southern Indica Hybrid.

The Southern Indica Hybrid generally grows faster and taller than other evergreen azaleas. They can tolerate low temperatures of 10-20ºF and more sun. Popular varieties include 'Formosa' (brilliant rose purple), 'George Lindley Tabor' (light pink), and 'Judge Solomon' (watermelon pink).

The deciduous azaleas are showier than the evergreens. Flower colors range from yellow to orange to flame red. Fall foliage color can be orange to red to maroon. Most of the native varieties are found in the deciduous group. And, yes, Texas lays claim to it's own native variety called the 'Texas Azalea' (white flowers). It is native to East Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Others to chose from are the 'Plumleaf Azalea'(latest bloomer, orange red), 'Piedmont Azalea'(early, white to rose flowers), and the 'Alabama Azalea'(early, white flowers with yellow blotch).

So what are the requirements of azaleas? They do best in filtered sunlight in a highly organic soil. Underneath the local pine trees or a deciduous tree is best. The leaf drop will naturally mulch the soil. Very heavy shade will cause azaleas to become leggy and sparse with few blooms. The soil make-up is the single most important element in successful azalea gardening. The soil must be well drained. Sandy soil is the best. If your soil has a heavy clay content you can still plant azaleas in a raised bed. The clay must be dug out to a depth of one foot and the bed raised one foot so the root zone has two feet of good organic material to grow in. Regardless of your soil type, always add large amounts of compost, peat moss, or leaf mold to increase drainage and to aerate the soil.

When planting azaleas, never cover up the top of the root mass with soil. Do not cover the crown with soil or mulch. Unlike trees, there is no need to dig the hole any deeper or wider than the container that holds the plant. Azaleas have very shallow root systems so you cannot rototil or turn the ground around an established azalea. Due to this shallow root system, azaleas will dry out fast without proper mulching. Mulch to preserve water and your time. Water established plants deeply, twice a week in the hot summer. Pruning should be done after the bloom time to promote denser shrubs. Do not prune after late summer as the buds will be setting for next seasons blooms. When fertilizing, cut the recommended amounts in half and fertilize more often. The best fertilizer is good compost. With a little attention, your azaleas should be very happy. Enjoy!