evergreen azalea

The evergreen azalea (Rhododendron 'Mrs. Nancy Dippel') should be watered once every week to 10 days. Avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Make sure to water it deeply, until the soil is slightly damp. Watering in the morning is best, as it will give the roots time to absorb the moisture before the sun sets. During the warm summer months, this plant will need to be watered more often, due to increased evaporation.

Evergreen azalea (Rhododendron 'Mrs. Nancy Dippel') requires quite a bit of sunlight throughout the year in order to thrive. The plant should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. During the summer months, when the days are longer and sunnier, the azalea may need up to 8 or 9 hours of sunlight each day. On the other hand, during the winter months, it should have at least 4 hours of direct sunlight, but can benefit from as much as 6 hours. It's important to avoid exposing the plant to excessive sunlight exposure, as it could lead to leaf burn. Providing the appropriate amount of sun results in healthier blooms and a prettier appearance.

Evergreen azaleas should be pruned in late spring after they finish blooming. Pruning should be light and conservative, no more than 1-third of the plant should be removed in any 1 pruning session. Start by removing dead, damaged and crossing branches with sharp pruners. Then, prune outward-facing stems just above the first set of adjacent buds. Finally, trim back the long and leggy branches when they extend beyond the natural shape of the shrub. After pruning, spread 2-3 inches of mulch around the shrub to conserve water and protect its roots.