What Your Azalea Really Needs in February for Beautiful, Bright Blooms in Spring – 3 Jobs to Do Right Now

March is just around the corner, so now is the time to get the last of your February garden jobs ticked off. One shrub to pay attention to is your azalea, which needs some TLC after battling winter conditions.

Whether you grow an azalea in your garden border or have it in a container, there's no doubt it's calling out for help by the time late February comes around. Some rejuvenating pruning may be needed, as well as a gentle fertilizer, and you may find an extra layer of mulch boosts its hydration.

Here, I talk through what to do with azaleas in February, with three key tasks to tackle before March arrives.

Azaleas: 3 Jobs for February

If you run out of time in February, don't worry. You can still do these tasks in early March and your azaleas will thank you just as much.

In this early spring season it's all about helping this statement flowering shrub recover from any winter damage and get ready for putting on new growth.

1. Remove Damaged Branches

While February is too early for routine azalea pruning, it's a key time to tidy up your shrub from any damage it acquired from winter conditions.

Use essential pruning tools (a pruning saw, from Amazon, or bypass pruning shears, from Amazon, are the best choices in this case) to make clean cuts and remove severely broken and damaged branches.

You should also remove any particularly leggy stems that have appeared, as these are weaker and unlikely to perform well.

Be aware that this pruning will sacrifice some flowers for spring, as azaleas flower on last year's growth.

However, being particular and removing just what's necessary now will help your azalea put on vigorous growth this year, ready for next year's flowering.

Removing this plant matter will not only redirect the shrub's energy into new growth, but it will also keep diseases and pests at bay, overall strengthening your azalea.

2. Add a Layer of Mulch

Mulching is one the easiest (and free if you use fallen leaves) ways to protect plants from challenging weather conditions.

For azaleas, February brings an opportunity to put down a fresh layer of mulch to lock in moisture for hydration and provide extra insulation for their shallow roots, protecting them from the lingering cold temperatures of late winter.

It's also a great way to provide your azalea with a boost of essential plant nutrients ahead of spring, especially if you use acidic organic materials like pine needles and pine bark (like this bag on Amazon). This will help maintain azalea's optimal pH range of 4.5-6.0.

Be generous with your mulch, applying a 2-3" layer around the base of the plant.

3. Apply a Slow Release Fertilizer

When late February arrives, it's time to start thinking about fertilizing your azalea. More specifically, you should apply a slow release fertilizer now to support the growth your azalea will put on in spring.

A slow release azalea fertilizer (like this from Amazon) is a granular feed that can be applied by working it into the top layer of soil around your shrub.

As you water your azalea it releases nutrients, typically over eight weeks.

With late February being a transitional time for your azalea, a slow release feed is much gentler than a liquid feed, preventing root burn and shock.

Having said that, you should take note of your frost dates and avoid fertilizing your azalea if a severe freeze is forecast for the coming days and weeks.

Take care to also stop fertilizing your azalea in early summer, as it may encourage new growth that can't harden off in time to cope with cold fall temperatures.

FAQs

When Should You Bring Overwintering Azaleas Back Outside?

You should bring overwintering azaleas outdoors from mid-late spring once the risk of late frost has passed, generally speaking when night temperatures are consistently above 40°F. It's best to acclimate your plant by placing it in a shaded spot for a few hours daily over a couple of weeks.

After summer, don't forget to familiarize yourself with essential fall care for azaleas so you can prepare your shrub for another winter.

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