Are Dwarf Azalea Bushes Good for Florida?

Climate

• Depending on variety, azaleas are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. They also require a period of cool temperatures in order to bloom. Varieties satisfied by four to eight weeks at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit perform reliably in North Florida, USDA zone 8. In Central Florida, USDA zone 9, warm winter fluctuations can cause sporadic blooms. But in typical years, these varieties still do well. In South Florida, USDA zone 10 and warmer, heat combined with humidity challenge azaleas, as do the alkaline coastal soils and sea sprays. Although some people report success inland, azaleas struggle in this region.

Care

• Azaleas require well-drained, acidic soil for health. They do best with soil pH between 4.5 and 6.0, where vital nutrients become available in the soil. At higher pH levels, common in Florida, nutrient deficiencies occur. When planting dwarf azaleas -- November and December are optimal times in Florida -- choose a site with filtered sunlight. Incorporate liberal amounts of peat moss to increase the soil's moisture and nutrient retention and lower soil pH. Azaleas' shallow, fibrous roots need oxygen to survive. Plant your shrub slightly high in the ground, and apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch. Keep soil consistently moist; never soggy. Florida's sandy soils and dry periods make weekly watering necessary. Water deeply to ensure water goes through the mulch to thoroughly satisfy roots.

Pruning

• To keep dwarf azaleas neat and compact, prune them annually to maintain their shape and encourage dense branching. If branches become damaged, they can be removed at any time. Otherwise, limit pruning to the time right after your azaleas flower in spring. Flower buds for the following year are formed in late spring and early summer, and are present long before they become visible to the eye. A Florida rule of thumb for azaleas is to never prune after the Fourth of July. Prune later in the year and you will be cutting off the flower-producing buds that would have been next spring's blooms. Always sterilize your pruning implements prior to and between cuttings to prevent the spread of disease.

Dwarf Cultivars

• Several dwarf azaleas are well adapted to North and Central Florida. They are easily maintained between 2 and 4 feet in height. According to the College of Central Florida, "Red Ruffles" azalea (Rhododendron x "Red Ruffles") is one of Marion County, Florida's favorite plants. Originally developed as a greenhouse azalea, like its sister plant "Pink Ruffles" (Rhododendron x "Pink Ruffles"), its large, deeply ruffled blooms delight. Both are hardy in USDA zones 8 through 9. "Vivid" azalea (Rhododendron x "Vivid") and "Fashion" azalea (Rhododendron x "Fashion"), both Girard hybrids, also do well in Florida. They are hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9.