To increase blooming in rhododendrons pinch tips of new … Always reliable with masses of white, frilly flowers in early to mid-June. (Domoto; old Kurume from Japan). The part of Southern Ontario that I can speak about with confidence lies in the Great Lakes basin, stretching west from Toronto to Lake Huron. Toronto, Ontario Canada. (Robin Hill). , Very late, blooming from late June or July into August. , Check the soil pH before planting, especially if planting along a foundation where soils tend to be more alkaline. More importantly the soil here is not likely to be the rich, sandy loam rhododendrons and azaleas prefer. Hedge plants used decoratively are often trimmed to precise sizes and shapes and may be either evergreen or deciduous shrubs. You can also take stem cuttings from existing rhododendrons and plant them to grow a new plant. Best Azalea Cuttings Growing evergreen azaleas from cuttings is typically much more successful than their deciduous counterparts. But if you buy in spring when the azaleas are blooming, you'll be assured of getting the colors you want. 'King's Luminous Pink'* Dig a hole that's twice as wide as your azalea's root ball. In any case, drainage, texture and acidity in one's garden can be gradually altered, if necessary, by the addition of humus, peat and sulfur. They come in many flower colors, including pink, red, white, yellow, and purple. A few specialists are beginning to experiment with evergreen azaleas, but because they are not widely grown here, generalizations are tricky. R. 8.  There seems to be less of a discrepancy between plant and bud hardiness than one finds among rhododendrons. It is commonly called the "Carolinian" zone of Canada and ranges from 41 to 43 degrees north latitude, with Toronto at 43 degrees 45 minutes north latitude. That was when it was sited with full exposure to winter sun and wind. Azaleas are popular bonsai plants, so they can be planted in very small containers. Blooms late May through June. If in doubt, you can submit soil samples through your County Extension Service to have the pH and nutrient levels tested, usually for little or no cost. In fact, they respond very well to pruning, so they're perfect for growing as hedges or trimming into standards. Pruning is seldom required for your azaleas and rhododendrons. A good location is where they receive either dappled sun all day or sun in the morning and light shade in the afternoon. 2.  The leaves to not mildew, unlike those of deciduous azaleas. 5.  Their leaves are beautiful winter and summer. (Gartrell). Be sure to keep the mulch 1 to 2 inches away from the base of the azalea. And, as in many other places, people do not always know their own growing conditions. As things are, evergreen azaleas are underused in Southern Ontario. A cutting that died during the '94-'95 winter. 'Nancy of Robinhill' Among the breeders' names one should watch for are Shammarello (Ohio), Gable (Pennsylvania) and Girard (Ohio); these men have worked to develop azaleas that will withstand temperatures of -20°F/-29°C. The author thanks Mr. David Hinton, Orono, Ont., and Mr. Paul Boult, Orleans, Ont., for their valuable comments about the azaleas they have grown. A delightful surprise, one of the most exquisite with small, hose-in-hose coral-pink bells in great masses. Evergreen Azaleas in Southern Ontario Azaleas, no matter what their size, are tree-like shrubs. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. ( 1.  They are forgiving of summer heat and humidity, and the flowers are less prone to wilting than deciduous azaleas. 6.  The flowers virtually smother the plants. They can survive minimum temperatures of -10 to 20 degrees … It's only flaw is that the dead blossoms hang on as a flaccid reminder of past glory. Profuse white-centered blooms, flushed at the edge with soft mauve-pink. In spite of the intensive farming in this area, one can still find the native southern hardwoods for which it is named: 'May Belle' Native azaleas generally grow best in the climates in which they naturally evolved. Spring and fall, when temperatures are cool, are excellent times. Not a good-doer. Spring and fall, when temperatures are cool, are excellent times. It was since moved to full, high shade, in the squirrels' path, and is a treat. It loses leaves if exposed in the winter in my garden. You can not divide them as you might a plant like, say, a hosta. Flowers are an orchid purple. (Hager). Very low and must be covered with branches in the winter (but worth trying in areas with reliable snow cover). Bright pink with a lighter, star-shaped centre. (Portland: Timber Press). ) (Harris). The native soil is a silty loam with a pH of 6.4 to 6.9. 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