evergreen azalea

When watering your evergreen azalea, it is best to water slowly and deeply. For the healthiest plant, water once every 7–10 days. Check your soil each time before watering; it should be just slightly damp for the best drainage and absorption. During the hot summer months, you may need to water more frequently, especially in areas that experience high temperatures or prolonged periods of drought. When watering, the water should be applied slowly around the base of the plant and allowed to penetrate deeply into the soil. Avoid spraying the leaves with water, as it could lead to foliage disease.

Evergreen azalea (Rhododendron 'Girard's Crimson') is a plant species that does best in partial to full sun, although it can tolerate as much as 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. To thrive, the plant should get at least 5 hours of direct sunlight each day, and more is recommended. It's best for the plant to have the sun's rays in the morning as too much afternoon sun may cause scorching or wilting.

When pruning an evergreen azalea like 'Girard's Crimson', it is important to do it carefully and at the right times of year. Pruning should occur twice a year: once in early summer (around late June or early July) and once in late winter (around late February or early March). When pruning in early summer, shorten the flowered shoots by cutting just above a leaf bud. This will encourage plants to form flower buds for the following season. In late winter, it's best to cut away any thin, straggly or overcrowded stems. This will help the shrub maintain its natural shape. Be sure to leave behind darker, more mature branches for a healthier-looking plant. Small amounts of pruning should be done throughout the year to maintain the size and shape of the shrub. When pruning, don't remove more than a third of the total foliage; cutting more than this can result in weak or sparse azaleas.