evergreen azalea

It is important to water evergreen azalea (Rhododendron ‘Red Red’) regularly. It should be watered about once per week, or when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this plant does not like soggy roots. To gauge how often to water, insert your index finger into the soil up to the first knuckle and feel if the soil is dry or moist. If it is dry, it’s time to water. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not wet or soggy.

Evergreen azalea (Rhododendron 'Red Red') requires lots of sunlight to thrive. It does best when planted in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The sun should also provide bright, indirect light for at least 8 hours per day. The ideal time for sunlight exposure for this species is between 9 am and 5 pm.

Evergreen azaleas (Rhododendron 'Red Red') should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring, as soon as the last frost has passed. Pruning should be done just enough to remove overcrowded and weak branches, encourage new growth, and maintain the desired shape. Most of the orchard should be removed to promote a healthy, shorter shape. Remaining branches should be thinned to improve air circulation and light penetration. Make sure to avoid pruning more than 1/3 of the overall structure in any given year, as this could shock the plant. If a more drastic haircut is needed, it can be done over the course of a few years instead. After pruning, you may want to apply a slow-release fertilizer and mulch to help the plant to recover.