Whenever I see azaleas it makes me think of my mother, because for many years there were pink and white ones that lined the flower bed that was on the side of our driveway. I even remember one year on Easter she took a photo of some of my nieces and nephews sitting on the grass in front of those bushes holding their Easter baskets.
As I have stated many times before, my mom loved to try and attract the hummingbirds to our yard with the plants and flowers which were found in our yard. I do not know if my mom specifically planted azaleas because she knew that they would attract hummingbirds and butterflies or not. Did you, mom? It may surprise you, as it certainly did me, to discover that azaleas are poisonous to humans. Were you aware of this fact, mom?
If you choose to plant azaleas as a way to attract both hummingbirds in butterflies, there are several things you need to keep in mind. This information should help you have greater success growing azaleas.
Different varieties of azaleas have a different sun requirement, which means that some varieties will grow in full sun while others will require that it be planted in a shady spot. Azaleas should be grown in raised beds. It is important to keep the soil moist but not overly wet. When you plant the azaleas, you should add mulch, peat moss and other organic materials in generous amounts. These plants grow well in acidic conditions. You will want to add root stimulator and keep them well mulched. Azaleas should be fertilized after they have boomed.
I hope this information provides you will the knowledge to have great success with growing Azaleas. Even though these plants are poisonous to humans, it does not lesson my enjoyment of them, because of the fact that they remind me of my mom and they are known to attract the hummingbirds.