evergreen azalea

Evergreen azaleas require regular watering to stay healthy. It is best to water the plant early in the morning to give the roots time to absorb the moisture; watering in the afternoon may lead to the foliage staying wet all night, which can cause the leaves to become more susceptible to fungal diseases. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not very wet or saturated. In Spring and Summer, water once a week if there is no rain or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry. In Fall and Winter, water less often, aiming for 2-3 times a month. A layer of mulch around the plant can help to preserve moisture in the soil in between waterings.

Evergreen azalea (Rhododendron 'Conlec' AUTUMN ROYALTY) should receive 6 to 8 hours of filtered sunlight each day. It should be placed in a location where it will receive plenty of morning sunlight, but should avoid direct afternoon sunlight, which could scorch its leaves. If the plant receives too little sunlight, it will likely become leggy and its blooms will be short-lived. If the plant receives too much direct sunlight, its foliage could become discolored by sunburn and its flowers will not last as long.

The best time to prune evergreen azalea (Rhododendron 'Conlec' AUTUMN ROYALTY) is early spring, just as new growth begins. You can remove any dead, damaged or diseased wood, plus any leggy branches growing too close to the centre of the plant. The amount you prune will depend on the shape and size of the plant and how you want it to look in your garden. Generally, aim to reduce the size of the shrub by up to a third. Prune out any weak, straggly, or twiggy growth. It's also a good idea to give your plant a light prune after flowering to encourage more blooms the following year.