How to Grow Flame Azalea

Use a garden fork loosening the soil 6 to 8 inches deep. Eliminate large rocks and grass clumps that may interfere with planting.

Spread 4 inches of composted pine bark over the planting site. Mix it thoroughly with the loose soil.

Create a hole two times the root ball’s width and just deep enough to plant the shrub at the level it originally grew. Irrigate until the soil feels very moist. Leave at least a 6-foot space between each plant.

Keep the soil lightly moist at all times during the growing season. Supplemental water is not necessary during fall and winter months.

Place 3 inches of organic mulch around the flame azalea. Avoid heaping the mulch against the plant's stem, as that leads to disease.

Pruning shapes the plants and removes unattractive or dead growth after flowering is complete.

Apply slow-release azalea fertilizer after all blooms have faded and annual pruning is finished. Consult the instructions on the fertilizer package to determine the correct rate of application.

Removing faded blooms by hand maintains an attractive appearance.

Examine flame azaleas for signs of insect infestation, which may include discolored or spotted leaves, and dropped foliage. Remove visible insects by blasting the foliage with a garden hose. If the problem persists, treat the plant with insecticidal soap. Contact your local extension agent for location specific advice if insects are not controlled with these methods.