I study landscape ecology and through my studies have discovered a love for plants. Plants are not only beautiful, but also have countless fascinating survival strategies. To bring some nature into my home too, I take care of houseplants and herbs on every windowsill I can find. Favourite fruit: rhubarb and all kinds of berries Favourite vegetables: onions and garlic.
Azalea delights with its bloom both in the garden and in the home. Here you can learn how to properly plant and overwinter azaleas.
Asax plants can be grown indoors or in gardens, so they need to be placed and cared for in a way that fits their needs. We show how potted azaleas differ from outdoor azaleas and what to look for when planting azaleas.
Azaleas are popular flowering shrubs that brighten up any indoor space with their colorful blooms. The floral displays of azaleas have made them a favorite gift plant for occasions like Mother’s Day or Easter. While azaleas make excellent houseplants during their flowering season many gardeners wonder if these plants can be transferred outdoors after they are done blooming. The answer is yes! With some care and preparation, your indoor azalea can thrive just as well planted outside in the garden.
Can Indoor Azaleas Be Planted Outside?
Most potted azaleas sold as indoor plants belong to the Rhododendron genus and are specifically bred azalea cultivars suited for forcing into bloom indoors. However, when their flowering period ends, these plants can absolutely be moved outdoors provided they get:
- Adequate sunlight
- Well-draining acidic soil
- Protection from frost and freezing temperatures
Outdoor planted azaleas make gorgeous additions to partially shaded beds and borders Here’s a complete guide to successfully transferring your indoor azalea into the garden
When to Plant Indoor Azaleas Outdoors
Wait until the azalea has finished blooming before moving it outside. Transplant in spring or early summer after the last frost date in your area. Avoid planting during midsummer heat.
Choose a partly sunny spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Dappled sunlight filtering through trees is ideal.
How to Prepare Indoor Azaleas for Outdoor Planting
Follow these tips before putting your indoor azalea in the ground:
- Check if rootbound and loosen bound roots or trim away encircling roots
- Dig a hole 2 times wider and 1.5 times deeper than the root ball
- Test soil pH and amend with sulfur or peat moss to reach acidic pH of 4.5-5.5
Planting Indoor Azaleas in the Garden
When planting the azalea, take care to:
- Partially fill the hole and place the root ball on undisturbed soil
- Check planting depth – top of root ball should be level with the ground
- Backfill with native soil, tamp gently, water thoroughly after planting
Space multiple plants 2-4 feet apart depending on mature size.
Caring for Indoor Azaleas Outdoors
To keep your indoor azalea happy in its new garden location:
- Water deeply once a week during the first year
- Apply 2-4 inches of mulch to retain moisture
- Prune immediately after flowering to shape growth
- Fertilize in early spring and midsummer
- Provide winter protection or grow as a container plant
Overwintering Indoor Azaleas Outdoors
The key point to remember when overwintering an indoor azalea outdoors is that these plants have very little cold hardiness. Temperatures below 25°F (-4°C) can damage or kill them.
There are two main overwintering options:
Plant in Container
- Keep in pot and move to an unheated shelter like porch or garage over winter
- Water occasionally during winter rest period
In-ground Planting
- Choose a protected location, wrap with burlap
- Apply thick layer of mulch around base
- Prune late winter to remove dead stems
With proper care, indoor azaleas can thrive planted in outdoor garden beds for years of beauty. Pay attention to their cultural requirements and safeguard them from frost for endless spring flowering displays.
Planting azaleas as houseplants
Once you have decided on an indoor azalea, there are a few points to consider. You will be rewarded with a lush bloom in the winter if you put it in the right place and give it the care it needs.
Since azaleas are originally from mountain forests, they prefer a cool and humid climate. But indoor azaleas have been bred in the right way and can now handle warmer and drier conditions that are common in homes.
Find the azalea a bright location that allows direct sunlight in the morning or evening at most. The temperature should be between 12 and 18 °C. It is best to slowly accustom the plant to the indoor climate after purchase. To do this, first place it in a cool and semi-shaded location. Gradually expose it to more and more light and heat. At the start of flowering, you can also move the azalea to a spot with more light and some shade. This will make sure that the flowers bloom evenly. A south-facing window or a windowsill above the heater, on the other hand, are not suitable. Here, the azalea is too warm and dry, and also does not tolerate drafts. Indoor azaleas like to spend the summer outdoors in a sheltered, slightly shaded place.
Azalea is slightly peculiar when it comes to substrate. It requires an acidic soil and is very sensitive to lime. A special bog bed substrate, such as our Plantura Organic Ericaceous Compost, is ideal. With a pH value of 4. 0 to 6. 0, this is in the acidic range and thus meets the requirements of the azalea. Our low-peat soil is made from natural raw materials and can be used both in beds and pots. Add a layer of expanded clay or clay shards into the planter beforehand to improve water drainage. The substrate should be kept moist at all times and never dry out or become waterlogged. Preferably use lime-free tap water or rainwater for watering.
- Great for plants that like acid, like hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberry bushes, and azaleas
- Ensures all-round healthy plants with lush blooms and aromatic berries
- Peat-reduced & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
Tip: Because azaleas like high humidity, you should spray potted azaleas with lime-free water every so often, but don’t spray the flowers.
Azalea: flower, origin and properties
Azaleas are woody plants of the Rhododendron genus and originate from Asia. However, they used to be considered as a separate Azalea genus. One of the special things about azaleas is that they can be kept both outdoors and indoors. The respective groups are called garden or outdoor azaleas and indoor or potted azaleas according to their characteristics. There are deciduous and evergreen representatives of woody plants. These all grow bushy and can reach heights of between 40 and 150 cm. The leaves have entire margins and are oval, glossy or even white flocked. Azalea flowers are striking and can bear a wide variety of colours. There are also varieties with filled, funnel-shaped flowers. Others have simple flowers. The flowering time of azaleas depends on whether it is a garden plant or houseplant. Indoor azaleas bloom earlier, sometimes from September to April. Garden azaleas, on the other hand, begin their blooming season in April and remain in bloom until August.
Difference between rhododendrons and azaleas: It is difficult to differentiate between an azalea and a rhododendron. All azaleas belong to the rhododendrons. Some Rhododendron species are called azaleas. There are frost-sensitive, evergreen azaleas that grow indoors and hardy, winter or deciduous azaleas that only do well outside. Outdoor azaleas either shed their foliage or change their foliage dress annually in the spring. Rhododendrons, on the other hand, have leaves that change color all year instead of just a few times in the spring because they are evergreen.
Planting Azaleas
FAQ
Where should you not plant azaleas?
How do you keep azaleas alive outside?
When can I plant azaleas outside?
Can I plant my indoor azalea outside?
Can azaleas grow in pots?
Azaleas are often sold in pots and can become root-bound if kept in them for a long time. To grow them outdoors, you need to loosen the bottom of the root ball. This may involve trimming some of the roots with a knife. Don’t worry, it’s beneficial for the plant.
Where should azaleas be planted?
Grow azaleas in a sheltered spot in partial shade. Many cultivars suit planting at the edge of a woodland border. Smaller varieties look best at the front of a border, or in pots. Indoors, grow azaleas in a well-ventilated, bright spot away from too much direct sunlight. Temperatures should be cool – around 13-16ºC is ideal.
Can azaleas grow indoors?
Azaleas are a popular plant for many gardeners. They have beautiful blooms and can be used in containers or in the ground. However, there are some common misconceptions about what kind of environment azaleas prefer. Can you grow azaleas indoors? Do they need direct sunlight or isn’t that important? What about humidity?
How do you plant azaleas in a container?
When planting azaleas, dig a hole about the same depth of the container and about 2-3 times as wide. Make sure to leave the top of the root ball just above the grade of the soil. Doing both will encourage the right kind of root growth. Then topdress with compost and mulch to give them some nutrients over time.
Should azaleas be planted in fall?
Planting in fall is truly ideal because it gives them a chance to put down roots. This will better support the new growth and flowers in the spring. When planting azaleas, dig a hole about the same depth of the container and about 2-3 times as wide. Make sure to leave the top of the root ball just above the grade of the soil.
How do you plant azaleas in the spring?
This will better support the new growth and flowers in the spring. When planting azaleas, dig a hole about the same depth of the container and about 2-3 times as wide. Make sure to leave the top of the root ball just above the grade of the soil. Doing both will encourage the right kind of root growth.