Success With Azaleas 
By 
WM. C. FRIERSON 
ferent in their requirements 
from ordinary shrubs ay ergreens, Their de- 
mands are simple, byt a gid adherence 
to the sevenfold law of a Qs well 
in the vigor and bea) ty on the vena 3 : 
best varieties of Eyergt fey ays ee or> the Piedad 
mont Section of thf eral Ht ates arg)thé 
Kurumes (early) ahd: Kagmp feri ( t Sug larger), 
and Macranthas (latest-an : | 
1. LOOSE SOIL. Good topmed id Amixed 
wood’s earth, and thoroughly icectaet +a! bi he 
of 10 to 15 inches, will suffice. Azaleas do t 
in a bed rather than a plant stuck here and there. 
Where the top-soil has washed off excavate to a 
depth of 12 to 18 inches and fill in with good, vich 
soll, 
More than anything else the soil needs eee tcte 
vegetable matter—such as leaf-mold, decaying 
leaves, twigs, roots, stubble, etc. Rich soil from a 
garden corner, wooded ditch-bank, or fertile field 
is usually high in humus content. An excellent way 
is to prepare the bed well, then spread 2 or 3 inches 
of granulated peat-moss, Florida humus, or well 
decayed compost (see ACID SOIL), and mix well 
into the first 6 inches of the soil. This adds food 
and acidity (except the compost), causes iron min- 
erals to form, retains moisture, makes the soil 
loose, spongy, and friable, and causes beneficial 
bacterial action, etc. 
2. ACID SOIL. Azaleas abhor lime, and soils 
that are alkaline (sweet). They thrive in acid 
(sour) soil. Ideally the acidity of the soil should 
be between pH 4.5 and 5.0. Your agricultural agent 
will advise you how to have soil tests made. The 
tests are free. In the Piedmont Section the acidity 
of the soil is between pH 5.5 and 6.0. Good unlim- 
ed soil in this area will grow azaleas, but they will 
be more thrifty if chemicals are added to the soil:to 
increase the acidity. GRANULATED ALUM (used 
[1] 
Azaleas are quite d 
