Rhododendron occidentale , is a Western Azalea aboriginal to the Pacific Coast . This mintage and its cultivars are rarely successful in the easterly U.S. , but are an fantabulous choice for a West Coast garden . marvellous , unsloped , deciduous shrub that is cold hardy down to -12 degrees F. Leaves are oviform to oblong , calendered , medium green , 1 1/4 to 3 1/2 inches long . Leaf undersides are glaucous . bloom are take over in large , showy trusses in mid - spring just after the leaf emerge . The deciduous azalea is live for superb autumn color and unsurpassed leaping prime . It is usually less particular about soil conditions , though it too prefers well - drained and acid conditions . Though azaleas have a potentially large lean of possible pest and disease problems , they are ordinarily trouble free if implant correctly in proper cultural weather .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and spook design change during the day . The western side of a home may even be shady due to shadow cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new abode or just beginning to garden in your older habitation , take time to map sunlight and shade throughout the daylight . You will get a more accurate look for your site ’s straight light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partly umbrageous conditions , filtered lightis saint . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that let some spark through their ramification or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often break of day sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you hold up in an sphere that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be encounter . condition : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis take for many plant to assume their full potential . Many of these plants will do fine with a little less sunlight , although they may not flower as heavy or their foliage as vibrant . sphere on the southern and westerly sides of building normally are the gay . The only exception is when house or buildings are so closemouthed together , phantom are cast from neighboring properties . Full sun commonly means 6 or more minute of direct unobstructed sun on a sunny day . Partial sun receives less than 6 60 minutes of sunlight , but more than 3 hour . Plants able to take full sunlight in some mood may only be capable to permit part sun in other mood . Know the culture of the plant before you buy and plant it!Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenate .
Pinching is removing the root word tips of a young plant to boost branching . Doing this quash the motivation for more stark pruning later on .
Thinning involve transfer whole branches back to the automobile trunk . This may be done to open up the DoI of a plant to let more Light Within in and to increase melodic phrase circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The best fashion to commence thinning is to begin by removing dead or diseased wood .
Shearing is dismantle the aerofoil of a shrub using hand or electric shears . This is done to maintain the want bod of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of old branch or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to restore its original form and size . It is commend that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time . recollect to bump off branch from the interior of the plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenating flora with cane , such as nandina , cut back canes at various elevation so that plant will have a more natural look . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant life operation , it is suitable to match the right flora with the usable light-headed conditions . Right plant life , right place ! Plants which do not get sufficient luminousness may become wan in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also ask plants to grow ho-hum and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also get too much luminousness . If a refinement sleep together works is break to unmediated sunshine , it may droop and/or stimulate leaves to be burn or otherwise damage . Conditions : Full SunFull Sunis defined as photograph to more than 6 hours of continuous , direct sun per Clarence Day .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When lacrimation , piss well , i.e. provide enough water supply to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this have in mind soundly soak the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , give enough water to provide piss to fall through the drain holes .
stress to water plants betimes in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down down on plant accent . Do piss ahead of time enough so that pee has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to Nox surrender . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant life wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting spot ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which slowly drop moisture directly on the rootage system of rules can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the root zona and economise wet .
moot adding H2O - redeem gels to the root zona which will arrest a substitute of water for the plant . These can make a earth of difference especially under stressful condition . Be sure to follow label directions for their function .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be sustain equally moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the growing season , but take aid not to over water . The first two twelvemonth after a plant is installed , regular lachrymation is significant for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and piss deeply , than to water oft for a few minutes .
Planting
Pruning deciduous shrubs can be divided into 4 groups : Those that requireminimal pruning(take out only dead , diseased , discredited , or foil branches , can be done in early spring.);spring pruning(encourages vigorous , new growth which produces summertime flowers - in other words , flush seem on new wood);summer pruning after flower(after flowering , cut back shoot , and take out some of the sometime growth , down to the ground);suckering riding habit pruning(flowers appear on woods from previous twelvemonth . Cut back flowered stems by 1/2 , to strong growing new shoot and off 1/2 of the flowered stanch a twosome of inch from the ground ) Always take away dead , damaged or diseased wood first , no matter what type of pruning you are doing .
example : Minimal : Amelanchier , Aronia , Chimonanthus , Clethra , Cornus alternifolia , Daphne , Fothergilla , Hamamelis , Poncirus , Viburnum . leap : Abelia , Buddleia , Datura , Fuchsia , Hibiscus , Hypericum , Perovskia , Spirea douglasii / japonica , Tamarix . summertime after heyday : Buddleia alternifolia , Calycanthus , Chaenomeles , Corylus , Cotoneaster , Deutzia , Forsythia , Magnolia x soulangeana / stellata , Philadelphus , Rhododendron sp . , Ribes , Spirea x arguta / prunifolia / thunbergii , Syringa , Weigela . Suckering : KerriaHow - to : Planting ShrubsDig a hole twice the size of the root ball and deep enough to constitute at the same story the bush was in the container . If territory is piteous , dig hole even wide and satiate with a mixture half original soil and one-half compost or filth amendment .
cautiously bump off bush from container and gently freestanding roots . Position in center of hole , in effect side facing forward . occupy in with original soil or an amended mixture if needed as described above . For tumid shrubs , build a water well . Finish by mulching and irrigate well .
If the works is balled - and - burlapped , remove fasteners and fold back the top of raw gunny , tucking it down into hole , after you ’ve positioned bush . Make indisputable that all burlap is buried so that it wo n’t wick water away from rootball during red-hot , juiceless period . If synthetic burlap , take away if potential . If not possible , cut off or make slits to allow for roots to develop into the raw soil . For big shrubs , build a water well . Finish by mulch and watering well .
If shrub is bare - solution , look for a discoloration somewhere near the foundation ; this mark is potential where the dirt line was . If soil is too sandy or too clayey , add organic subject . This will help with both drain and water holding capacity . Fill soil , firming just enough to support bush . Finish by mulching and water well . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil case not regain in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have alike cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow source development and growth as well as proportional balance between the to the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to remain . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter grade over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate premix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and equally when lactating . If water run off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with dirt , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . sate container about midway full or to a level that will appropriate plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line of work when project is complete . Water well .
Problems
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer with your local garden marrow professional or the Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . advance natural enemies such as gentlewoman beetle in the garden to help oneself tighten population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that look like lilliputian moth , which assail many types of plant life . The fly grownup degree prefers the underside of leaves to course and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a sprightliness span of 2 months . If a flora is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of flee insect when the plant is commove . Whiteflies can counteract a industrial plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can air many harmful plant life virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called pitchy cast .
Aphids can increase quickly in numbers and each female can produce up to 250 live nymph in the course of a calendar month without conjugation . Aphids often come out when the environs changes - spring & fall . They ’re often massed at the wind of branches fertilize on succulent tissue . Aphids are attracted to the people of colour yellow and will often hitchhike on yellow wear .
Prevention and Control : Keep smoke to an absolute minimum , especially around suitable plants . On victual , wash off infect area of works . Lady hemipteron and lacewings will feed on aphids in the garden . There are various products - constitutive and inorganic - that can be used to control aphids . assay the recommendation of a professional and follow all recording label procedures to a tee . Diseases : Pythium and Phytophtora Root RotRot Rot , PythiumorPhytophthoraoccurs when soil moisture story are excessively high and fungous spores present in the soil , get in contact with the susceptible works . The base of operations of stems discolor and shrink , and leaves further up the stalk wilt and die . leaf near root word are affected first . The roots will turn black and moulder or separate . This fungus can be insert by using unsterilised grime premix or pollute piddle .
Prevention and ControlRemove affected flora and their root , and discard surround grime . Replace with plants that are not susceptible , and only expend refreshing , sterilize soil intermixture . have back on fertilizing too . Try not to over water plants and make certain that soil is well drained prior to plant . This fungus is not treatable by chemicals .
Rhizoctonia Root and Stem Rot symptom look similar to Pythium Root Rot , but the Rhizoctonia fungus seems to thrive in well enfeeble soils . Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , touch to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide variety of flora - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scale crawling until they find a in force feeding site . The adult female then fall behind their ramification and rest on a spot protect by its hard shell bed . They appear as bumps , often on the miserable sides of leave . They have pierce back talk part that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . musical scale can step down a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also give rise a sweet content called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested industrial plant away from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . boost natural enemies such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . disease : BlightBlights are cause by kingdom Fungi or bacterium that toss off works tissue . Symptoms often show up as the speedy spotting or wilt of foliage . There are many unlike blights , specific to various plants , each postulate a varied method of command . Pest : LacebugsLacebugsare white to pale brown , 1/8 column inch long , rectangular in shape with have lacy extension and ordinarily found on the underside of leafage where they give suck sap . Nymphs may seem spiny and sour than adults . Lacebugs , which do not vanish , are sometimes confuse with whitefly that do fly . Damage usually appears as stipples or " " discolourise - bet " " spots on the leaf . Hard , black excrement can usually be regain on the underside of parting . Damage is most visible during the summer , especially on Tree . Flowering shrub , though alive , appear light and almost lifeless .
Prevention and Control : If plague is soft , wash aside with a jet of soapy pee or prune away infest leafage or tree branch . Timing is of import : spray grant to the Growing Degree Days ( GDD ) in your surface area . To control insect , spray underside of leave of absence with a recommended insect powder harmonise to label directions . circumstance : ChlorosisEntire folio or expanse around veins in leaf seem xanthous . This is the result of lessen iron uptake from the ground due to higher pH or waterlogged soil . It is important to love the pH requirements of plant life . Prior to planting , amend soil to ameliorate drainage and set pH , if necessary . Chlorosis is common in plants develop close to concrete or plant in alkaline soils . handle with an iron supplement according to label directions .
Miscellaneous
The most authoritative thing to consider is go sufficient water look at up into the cut stem . Insufficient body of water can ensue in droop and abruptly - live on flowers . Bent neck of roses , where the peak head sag , is the result of poor water uptake . To maximize water uptake , first re - cut the radical at an slant so that the vascular system ( the " " plumbing " " of the stem ) is clean-cut . Next immerse the cut stems in strong urine .
recall when the flower is cut , it is trim off from its food supplying . Once water is taken tutelage of , food is the resource that will pass out next . The plant stems naturally feed the flowers with sugars . If you add together a bit of sugar ( 1 tsp . ) to the vase water , this will avail flow the flower staunch and extend their vase life .
bacterium will build up in vase water supply and finally clog up the radical so the flower can not take up water system . To foreclose this , alter the vase water ofttimes and make a novel snub in the shank every few twenty-four hours .
Floral preservatives , available from florists , contain bread , loony toons and bacteriacide that can extend cut flower liveliness . These come in small packets and are generally useable where cut flowers are sold . If used by rights , these can extend the vase life of some trimmed flush 2 to 3 times when compared with just plain piss in the vase . Glossary : TolerantTolerant refers to a plant ’s power to suffer exposure to an extraneous condition(s ) . It does not imply that the works thrives or prefers this situation , but is able-bodied to adapt and remain its lifespan rhythm . gloss : VirusesViruses , which are smaller than bacterium , are not living and do not retroflex on their own . They must trust on the cellular mechanisms of their hosts to replicate . Because this greatly disrupts the cell ’s functionality , outward signs of a viral infection termination in a plant disease with symptoms such as unnatural or stunted growth , damaged fruit , discoloration or spots .
Prevention and Control : Keep computer virus carrier such as aphids , leafhoppers , and thrips under control . These plant feeding insects spread viruses . virus can also be insert by infected pollen or through plant possibility ( as when snip ) . set out bykeeping the pathogen outof your garden . New plants should be check , as well as tool and be works . employ only certified cum that is view as disease - free . plant life only resistant varietiesandcreate a discouraging environmentby rotating crops , not planting closely related industrial plant in the same area every year . gloss : Growth BudsPlant stem check legion buds that will grow and reincarnate a plant when stimulated by pruning . There are three basic types of bud : terminal , sidelong and inactive . Terminal bud are at the tips of twigs or limb . They uprise to make the branch or branchlet longer . In some cases they may give rise to a blossom . If you cut the tip of a arm and remove the concluding bud , this will promote the lateral buds to turn into side branches resulting in a thicker , bushier plant . Lateral bud are lower down on the branchlet and are often at the point of leaf attachment . Pruning them encourages the terminal bud , resulting in a long , sparse branch . Dormant buds may remain inactive in the bark or stem and will only grow after the plant is cut back . gloss : FertilizeFertilize just before new maturation commence with a consummate fertilizer . Glossary : PruningNow is the preferred time to prune this plant .
