Proven Winners Perfecto Mundo® Double Pink Azalea

1. Planting: Perfecto Mundo® Double Pink azaleas are compact shrubs and need to be spaced about 2 feet to form a hedge. They can also be used as a centerpiece or a stand-alone shrub.

Choose a location where your azalea will receive 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day. To plant:

1) Dig a hole three times as wide and just as deep as the container that the plant is in (the root ball).

2) Remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots with your fingers so that they spread out easily once planted.

3) Backfill the hole with a mixture of your native soil (60%) and compost or garden soil. You can include some coffee grounds while planting to help lower the pH if needed (always test the soil pH before adding anything to adjust).

4) Water lightly as you backfill to remove air pockets and water well when done but do not saturate the soil.

5) Broadcast 2-3 inches of mulch around the planting site to help conserve soil moisture, keep weeds/grasses away, and protect the roots from fluctuating temperatures.

2. Watering: During the first year, your Perfecto Mundo® Double Pink Azalea will need ample water to become established. During the cooler times of the year, you will only need to water twice a week. Thoroughly water the area, making sure that the roots are never in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. During the hotter times of the year, they will need to be watered every other day, depending on the weather. Do not allow the roots to be saturated for extended periods of time. Allow the water to seep deeply into the soil to ensure that all of the roots receive water. Azaleas are not considered to be drought-tolerant, so during times of excessive heat, you will need to water even more established plants.

3. Fertilizing: Azaleas need food in order to bloom for extended periods of time. Fertilize them with a slow-release fertilizer intended for Azaleas. For best results, fertilize in the early spring but be sure to read and follow label instructions as the application will vary by manufacturer. Do not over-fertilize as that can lead to root burn.

4. Pruning: The Perfecto Mundo® Double Pink Azalea blooms on old wood in spring, then later on new wood. As such, it should only be pruned immediately after its spring bloom. A light trim will encourage new growth and more rebloom.