When to fertilize azaleas in zone 7

Azaleas are among the iconic flowering shrubs of the South, but they also thrive in many states across the country. They offer early spring blossoms in bright colors.

Best fertilizer for azaleas and rhododendrons

Compared with other heavily blooming shrubs, azaleas are not hungry plants. 

Fertilizer for azaleas is often unnecessary unless the plants are showing signs of nutritional deficiency. It is important to recognize when to fertilize azalea plants and when it is not necessary.

Read on for azalea fertilizer tips.

When to Fertilize Azalea Shrubs

If you work organic compost or dried, chopped leaves into well-draining garden soil before planting your azalea shrubs, this may be all of the fertilizer for azaleas that's required. 

It is only if the plants show signs of nutritional deficiency or are growing too slowly that you may need to set up an azalea fertilizing schedule.

An azalea with a nutritional deficiency shows signs that it has a problem. It can produce leaves that are smaller than normal or that turn yellow and drop early. 

A shrub suffering from nutritional deficiency may also show stunted grow

when to fertilize azaleas

can you fertilize azaleas while they are blooming