deciduous azalea

Deciduous azalea (Rhododendron 'Lace Valentine') require regular watering, particularly during the growing months of April to October. During the spring and summer you should provide 1 inch of water every week either through rainfall or as a result of manual watering. During the fall and winter months, it is best to water once a month; this should be sufficient as rain and other environmental factors often provide enough moisture during this season. It is best to water the deciduous azalea in the early morning preferably once a week with about 1-2 gallons. When the weather turns drier, you can add an extra watering. Ensure to water the soil around the base of the plant and not the foliage as this can cause fungal problems or rot. You may also want to give the azalea a good soaking about 3-4 inches deep once every 2 weeks when the temperatures are mild.

Deciduous azalea (Rhododendron 'Lace Valentine') requires full sun for at least 5 hours per day and grows best when planted in an area that receives both morning and afternoon sunlight. During the spring and summer months, it should be exposed to direct sun from around 10 am to 3 pm. During colder months, the plant should be sited in a place that receives dappled or filtered sunlight as too much direct sun may cause it to dry out. Since it is a deciduous species, it may benefit from some extra light during the winter, so be sure to site it the best that you can.

Prune deciduous azaleas such as Rhododendron 'Lace Valentine' every year, in late winter or early spring, just before bloom time. Remove dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are growing too densely and crowding the center of the shrub. Also thin out branches that are no longer flowering well, taking care not to strip the plant of too much of its foliage. Be sure to make sharp, clean cuts just above growth buds.