When Is Best Time to Transplant an Azalea?

Soil

• The quality and characteristics of soil are particularly important for azaleas. Moving an azalea from one location to another that offers the opportunity to improve the shrub's permanent bed -- an opportunity you should take if needed. Azaleas grow best in loose, organically rich and well-drained soil. Incorporate several inches of finely ground pine bark, shredded leaves or peat moss, all amendments that will help acidify soil and improve its moisture holding capacity. Whether preparing an entire bed or a location for just one transplant cultivate, improve soil only 1 foot deep, because azaleas are shallow rooted. Loosen and improve the soil broadly instead. If you can't improve your native soil easily, create good azalea soil in raised beds instead.

Digging

• For smaller azaleas, dig with a sharp spade beyond the drip line and about 12 inches deep, preserving the entire root ball and lifting it onto a tarp to easily move it. For larger shrubs dig 12 inches deep but around the drip line -- or wider -- and gradually dig a trench, undercutting the plant and creating an inverted cone. Try to slide a large square of burlap under the root cone, sliding a folded square under one side, rocking the plant onto it and then tugging the folded-under side to the other side. Tie corners across the plant, then lift the azalea by the burlap -- supporting the bottom -- not by grabbing branches.

Planting

• Prepare planting holes for planting or transplanting azaleas that are 6 inches deeper and 12 inches wider than the root mass, though you'll have to fill in some of that space with backfill. Plant azaleas slightly higher than surrounding soil, because soil will settle after planting and watering. Place the azalea root ball in the center of the hole and backfill all the way around. Water the entire planting hole, completely saturating the roots and surrounding soil.

Aftercare

• Water every day or two during the first two weeks after transplanting azaleas to minimize transplant shock. Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch to the entire root area, which will help conserve soil moisture, keep roots cool and discourage weeds. Water weekly during the first year after transplanting, as roots regrow and become established. After the azaleas are established, during dry periods water plants to a depth of 14 to 18 inches every 10 to 14 days. In sandy soils, azaleas may need deep watering more frequently.