evergreen azalea

Evergreen Azaleas, like Rhododendron 'Dr. H. R. Schroeder', need moderate amounts of water, and should be watered once or twice a week or when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. It's best to water early in the morning, so that the leaves have a chance to dry before night. Too much water can make the roots rot, so it's important to make sure that the soil drains well. Waterlogging is also to be avoided, as it prolongs evaporation time which increases the risk of fungal root diseases.

Evergreen azaleas (Rhododendron 'Dr. H. R. Schroeder') thrive and bloom best when planted in areas with full morning sun and light afternoon shade. The azalea should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but not more than 6 to 8 hours per day. When direct sunlight is not available, the plants should still receive plenty of indirect sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting in full shade, as this can hinder growth and reduce flower production.

When it comes to pruning your evergreen azalea (Rhododendron 'Dr. H. R. Schroeder'), the best time to do so is shortly after the blooming season ends, typically in early June. Pruning should be kept to a minimum; remove only dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can cut out a few of the larger branches to increase air flow if desired. Any new shoots should be pruned back to the desired size and shape. Pruning should never reduce the size of your azalea more than a 1-third and it should not be done frequently, as this may reduce the flowering capacity of the plant. If pruning is necessary, always use sharp, clean tools to prevent infection, and make sure to sanitize the tools between cuts.