A PLANTING OF KURUME AZALEAS 
AZALEAS 
To enjoy Azaleas to the fullest, it is important to understand the requirements of the 
plant. Once we understand a plant we will be able to grow it successfully, and it will reward 
us many times over, and for many lifetimes, with the ultimate in charm and color. It will 
thrill us more with each passing year and will continue to thrill our children and our 
children’s children. 
The flowers may be picked freely and used as decorations or arrangements—their lasting 
quality is remarkable. 
_ Azaleas and Rhododendrons like a well drained, light, peaty type of growing medium, 
quite acid and fairly high humid conditions with shade during the heat of the day (12 to 3 
p.m.). Do not put them in deep all-day shade. They want to be kept moist at all times but not 
soggy wet as the roots MUST have air. 
A mixture of two parts peat, one part leaf mold (oak, pine or redwood) and one part clean 
sand seem to be the ideal medium for growing. This mixture allows the air to circulate freely 
through the roots system, yet holds quantities of moisture, and is very acid. The air circulat- 
ing through the root system, picks up moisture and immediately around the plant the humidity 
is fairly high, even in hot, dry weather, which we experience in California summers. 
In planting dig a hole two feet square and eight to 12 inches deep—replace with the 
above mixture to one inch above the soil level—press in tight around the root system. If the 
plant is potted or canned, loosen the roots with the fingers or by cutting, before planting. 
In heavy adobe or clay soils we suggest a raised bed rather than digging a hole. If that is not 
possible in some locations then make a drainage hole with a post hole digger in the center 
of the planting hole and fill it with rock. 
Feed Azaleas (and Camellias) once on April 1, May 1, July 15 and August 15. RHODODEN- 
DRONS, April and May only. Without a doubt one of the finest fertilizers for these plants is 
“4-5-2 yellow tag” (yes that is its name). We highly recommend it as an organic composted 
food that has been fortified with essential chemicals and iron and sulphur for a very acid 
reaction. This is also available without the iron and sulphur for general use. 
MIXTURE OF PEAT, 
LEAF SOIL & LOAM 
HEAVY CLAY SOIL 
RAISED PLANTING RECOMMENDED IN CLAY OR ADOBE FOR AZALEAS AND RHODODENDRONS 
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